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whaley
Guest
I have a 55 gallon reef tank that has been established for about a year. I have been gradually taking out the crushed coraland addind live sand. my question is how much should I have as a base?
reefrobert
Member
How much cushed coral did you have? It all depends on what you want it for!
Jaw fish like 3" or more , i have 2" in mine.
Jaw fish like 3" or more , i have 2" in mine.
1journeyman
Active Member
Whaley, do a search for "sand beds" on the forums. There is a lot of information and a lot of opinions on them.
Calfo and Fenner in their book Reef Invertebrates state that the depth of a sand bed is "perhaps the most controversial aspect of live sand bed methodologies". They go on to say that a depth of 1 to 3 inches is the most precarious. They explain that if you want this depth keep good water flow and stir the sand regularly (to prevent nutrient accumlulation).
So, I'd say go with less than 1 inch or greater than 3 inches.
Also be aware that Aragonite sand has a half life in the average aquarium of about 18-24 months. Basically, you'll need to be adding sand every so often to allow for disintegration.
Calfo and Fenner in their book Reef Invertebrates state that the depth of a sand bed is "perhaps the most controversial aspect of live sand bed methodologies". They go on to say that a depth of 1 to 3 inches is the most precarious. They explain that if you want this depth keep good water flow and stir the sand regularly (to prevent nutrient accumlulation).
So, I'd say go with less than 1 inch or greater than 3 inches.
Also be aware that Aragonite sand has a half life in the average aquarium of about 18-24 months. Basically, you'll need to be adding sand every so often to allow for disintegration.
rick58
Member
Actually people have sand beds for a variety of reasons, nitrate removel is one of the motivations for a Deep Sand Bed (DSB). Ofcourse nitrate removal can be accomplished other ways as well, the most common being regular water changes (a good idea for numerous reasons) and the growth and harvesting of plants. None of these are exclusive of the other, I do all three.
In addition to nitrate removal, I was considering what sand offers when stocking the tank. Many critters (fish, shrimp, crabs, conchs, worms, etc) need or prefer a sand bed. Some of the most enjoyable inhabitants in my tank rely on it. I also like the look of it, so appearance played a part as well.
I have a DSB (4+ inches) in one of my tanks and a shallow (1.5 inches) in my other tank. I am quite happy with both.
In addition to nitrate removal, I was considering what sand offers when stocking the tank. Many critters (fish, shrimp, crabs, conchs, worms, etc) need or prefer a sand bed. Some of the most enjoyable inhabitants in my tank rely on it. I also like the look of it, so appearance played a part as well.
I have a DSB (4+ inches) in one of my tanks and a shallow (1.5 inches) in my other tank. I am quite happy with both.