smoxy
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by smoxy on Apr 8, 2015 1:03:46 GMT -5
I'm in the process of setting up a 75 gallon fish and reef tank I have already purchased a bunch of crushed coral and have been reading on forums that everyone seems happier with fine sand just looking for suggestions or comments.
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Post by Carl on Apr 8, 2015 9:02:42 GMT -5
I strongly recommend primarily #00 oolitic sand with a 1/2" layer of #3 crushed coral on top. This rpovides the benefits of the ease of vacuuming debis that will settle into the crushed coral, along with the deep sand bed de-nitrification abilities of oolitic sand Reference: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Saltwater.html#live_rockFrom the above referenced article: "Back to sand, for a reef marine aquarium I highly recommend a deep sand bed of at least 3 inches, with 4-5 inches preferred. For fish only, 2-4 inches works well in most aquariums. This substrate should consist of #00 oolite sized coral sand (NOT Playground sand which is NOT at all the same in chemical composition!). This sand bed will act as a “home” for de-nitrifying anaerobic bacteria to live in an oxygen free environment and aid in keeping your nitrate levels low.
On top of the fine sand I recommend a layer of #3 crushed coral for improved nitrification and better waste control, not to mention easier vacuuming. This top layer will generally trap large debris and detritus and will also allow some aerobic nitrifying bacteria to grow as well, however the main purpose is for trapping debris for vastly easier vacuuming, not to mention a more aesthetically pleasing aquarium than with sand alone."Carl
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smoxy
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by smoxy on Apr 8, 2015 10:04:35 GMT -5
Thank you I read that from your page and wasn't sure if that was still the best way from the different opinions I've read. Also I've read that courser sand will irritate some fish and will borrowing species still thrive with crush coral layer? any suggestions on brand or where to get #00 oolitic sand I've only been able to find #0 thank you again.
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Post by Carl on Apr 8, 2015 12:36:02 GMT -5
One source is CaribSea Aragonite Aragamax Oolite Aquarium Substrate.
Any retailers selling Quality Marine USA fish would also have access to #00 oolitic.
This said, #0 is still good.
As for burrowing fish, most do not have any trouble moving a 1/2" layer of #3 crushed coral and many blennies actually prefer having some coarser gravel (even #5 or larger) to build nests with
The benefits of this two tier sand/gravel approach also shows up in lower nitrates and easier maintenance Believe me, I experimented with many combinations or one type sand methods and this one had the most positives over negatives
Carl
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Apr 8, 2015 16:10:17 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! This is a great place to document your tank process. Your welcome to make a Tank Thread and we can follow along to help! Carl did a great job answering the questions, so I'll just tag along.
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smoxy
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by smoxy on Apr 8, 2015 22:48:26 GMT -5
Thanks again I really appreciate it I couldn't find any concrete facts either way so I came here. I may have to start a tank post but still missing some key parts at the moment.
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