4/2/2023 0 Comments Oolite sand for reef tanks![]() Otherwise, a depth of just a few inches is more than adequate to give your aquarium a nice natural look and provide the right environment for aerobic nitrifying bacteria to flourish. If you plan to incorporate a DSB in your setup and/or to keep burrowing/sand-sifting species, a minimum substrate depth of four inches is recommended. Just keep in mind that the larger the grain size of your substrate medium, the more it will tend to trap detritus in the voids between particles, which necessitates regular vacuuming. Contains specially engineered bacteria to suppress new tank syndrome. On the other hand, if you aren’t keeping burrowing or sand-sifting species, you aren’t interested in natural nitrate reduction with a DSB, and your only concern is having an aesthetically pleasing substrate, the grain size is really up to you. Biologically and mineralogically complete sand substrate for saltwater aquariums. If you plan to install a deep sand bed (DSB) for the purpose of natural nitrate reduction, very fine sand is the medium of choice. Burrowing species, such as the yellowhead jawfish, need a substrate of mixed particle sizes, including rubble, to construct a sturdy burrow. It contains beneficial bacteria that breaks down organics in your reef tank. sleeper gobies, a very fine-grained, smooth-edged (e.g., oolitic) sand would be appropriate. Live sand for saltwater aquariums is like live rock. For example, if you plan to keep a fish that feeds by taking in mouthfuls of substrate and expelling it through its gills, such as one of the Valenciennea spp. See also Sunday tank maintenance: Do you siphon or not siphon your substrate? What grain size should I go with?Īgain, the answer here depends on your livestock and filtration goals. Aragonite is one of the better choices because it dissolves at a relatively high pH, which means it will do a good job of buffering the pH of the water at a level appropriate for marine livestock. Some common types include aragonite, crushed coral or coral sand, and crushed seashells of various grain sizes. Ideally, the substrate medium you choose should be calcareous, or composed of calcium carbonate. If depth and grain size are appropriate (at least 4 inches of fine sand), supporting colonies of anaerobic bacteria that convert nitrate to harmless free nitrogen gasįorget the colored quartz gravels widely used by freshwater aquarium hobbyists.Providing appropriate conditions for burrowing, burying, and sand-sifting species, such as jawfish, various wrasses, certain gobies, Cerithium spp.Providing a suitable home for various beneficial microfauna, such as amphipods, copepods, tiny brittle stars, etc.Providing biofiltration by supporting colonies of the beneficial aerobic bacteria that convert ammonia to less toxic compounds.Beyond creating a nice ocean-floor aesthetic, the substrate can perform many important functions. What does the substrate do?Ī substrate does much more than just lie there and look pretty. Let’s drill down a little deeper into this topic so you’ll be equipped to choose the right substrate for your system based on your individual goals. The truth is, there’s no single substrate particle size or depth that’s appropriate for every system under all circumstances. Ask 10 hobbyists which type and depth of substrate they would recommend, and you’ll likely get 10 different answers. ![]() We always recommend getting a little extra sand to make sure you have enough on hand when you are filling your tank.The choice of substrate-the material placed on the bottom of the tank-for a saltwater aquarium is one of many areas in our hobby that generate confusion and disagreement. Results may vary depending on the aquascaping in your tank, overflow styles, and the specific tank manufacturer. Contains live ocean bacteria resulting in a fast cycleīRS suggests 1 pound of sand per 2 gallons of display tank volume on average.īelow is a table of common tank sizes and how many pounds of Oolite Sand is required to achieve a certain depth.Caribsea's Ocean Direct Caribbean Live Sand is a great choice for aquarists who are wanting a reef tank set up in minutes. Oolite Ocean Direct Live Reef Sand uses "Sea Breathe" technology to preserve the live sand in its own original ocean bacteria. ![]()
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