The best sand for a reef tank depends on the specific type of reef system you are creating. Different setups have different sand requirements.
Recommended Sands for Different Reef Tanks
| Aquarium Type | Sand Recommendation | Amount of Sand Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 55 Gallon Mixed Reef | CaribSea Arag-Alive Live Sand | 50 Pounds for a 1.5-2” Sandbed |
| 90 Gallon SPS Dominant | Bare-Bottom | N/A |
| 120 Gallon Fish-Only Tank | CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade Dry Sand | 100 Pounds for a 1.5-2” Sandbed |
Understanding Sand Bed Choices
- Mixed Reef Tanks: For a 55-gallon mixed reef tank, CaribSea Arag-Alive Live Sand is recommended. You’ll need approximately 50 pounds to achieve a 1.5-2 inch sand bed. Live sand contains beneficial bacteria and microorganisms which are essential for a healthy reef ecosystem.
- SPS Dominant Tanks: If you are setting up a 90-gallon tank dominated by Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals, a bare-bottom approach is suggested. This is because SPS corals require very pristine water conditions and a bare bottom allows for easier cleaning and better water quality.
- Fish-Only Tanks: For a 120-gallon fish-only aquarium, CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade Dry Sand is recommended. Aim for 100 pounds to establish a 1.5 to 2-inch sand bed. Dry sand is inert and needs to be colonized by beneficial bacteria over time.
Why These Recommendations?
- Aragonite Sand: Aragonite sand helps maintain the proper pH and alkalinity in reef tanks, mimicking natural reef conditions.
- Live Sand: Live sand comes pre-seeded with bacteria, which help establish the nitrogen cycle faster in new tanks. This type of sand is beneficial in establishing a thriving reef ecosystem quickly.
- Dry Sand: Dry sand offers flexibility, allowing the aquarist to establish biological filtration over time.
- Bare Bottom: A bare-bottom tank reduces the accumulation of detritus and other waste, leading to better water quality in sensitive SPS coral tanks.
By selecting the appropriate sand type and depth, you are providing a better environment for your aquatic inhabitants.
