Sand or mud?

[trainfever]

Those of you with refugiums, which do you have as a substrate, sand or mud? I had sand, then switched to mud but was thinking of going back to sand. Which do you think is more beneficial?

 

[pat713]

I would think sand would be. Mostly because it's easier for the micro organisms to move around in it. At least I think it is anyway...

 

[chipmaker]

I tend to view the mud as a advertising ploy. I know mangrove swamps etc contain mud and lots of diverse things, but this is a closed system, and virtually everyhting we keep comes from the oceans and seas away from mud, and does very well in sand substrate. Nothing wrong with sand IMHO....and its more natural substrate for what we keep.

 

[ophiura]

IMO, sand...

 

[thegrog]

I would go with sand.

 

[sign guy]

if you are using chato having a mud sump is pointless, you would only need mud if you have mangroves or culpra and with mud you will cut back on your pod count
in my opinion go with sand

 

[keith burn]

just something to look at.....
http://www.reefs.org/library/article/mm_analysis.html
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/7/aafeature
the 2nd one is a lot to read but take some time and it will be a good read.