What is the best substrate?

[forde_11]

I was wondering what everyone thinks is the best thing to use as substrate in a new tank. I am just starting my first tanks and it is a 65 gallon salt water and I have heard some conflicting information on this subject. So everyone let me know what you think?

[Gools]

I don't know what the best is but I have sugar sand. And I have a goby that throws it everywhere, making it cloudy, and annoying. Next time I'm going to go with a smaller agaronite.

[Doug]

Forde_11;
WELCOME TO CANREEF.................


A fine sugar type aragonite is the best substrate for a shallow or deep sandbed, although I liked some course aragonite mixed in with it. The sand I used was sold by Saltwater Connection in Manioba. Many there in Calgary use it as a substrate.

One could also run different ype of bottoms on their tanks. Many of us now run bare, with a sheet of starboard or acrylic to protect the bottom. This is usually reserved for higher flow sps type systems but other run it in all varietys of tanks.

The there is a plenum type system, which uses a substrate closer to 5mm in size. I prefer the old style crushed coral for something like that.

If you check around on the buy/sell forum or even the Calgary forum, someone local may have some unused SWC fine sand for sale.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Flatlander

One could also run different ype of bottoms on their tanks. Many of us now run bare, with a sheet of starboard or acrylic to protect the bottom.

I don't even run this, just bare bottom as I think the main reason for starboard is to make it look white. This is also suitable for lower flow softy tanks ect. if you don't want the maintenance of a sand bed. the only down fall is you can't have fish that need sandy bottoms. ie golbys.

Steve

[Doug]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

I don't even run this, just bare bottom as I think the main reason for starboard is to make it look white. This is also suitable for lower flow softy tanks ect. if you don't want the maintenance of a sand bed. the only down fall is you can't have fish that need sandy bottoms. ie golbys.

Steve

Agreed. The acrylic I run or the starboard is solely to protect against rock falls and perhaps as some white bottom, but not for long. Nothing wrong with just using glass bottoms, as long as care is taken with rock placement.

[Skimmerking]

Doug where is MANIOBA

The sand I used was sold by Saltwater Connection in Manioba.


YAAAAAA i finally got ya , man i must be bored.

[EmilyB]

For a shallow sand bed, I prefer Caribsea Select. It doesn't blow about as much and settles quickly when disturbed.

I also have a bare bottom tank, (some rock rubble actually).

(Good one Mike... )

[Doug]

Originally Posted by asmodeus

Doug where is MANIOBA
YAAAAAA i finally got ya , man i must be bored.

Guess I have been reading to many of your posts.

[Gools]

Amen to that!!!!!

[Skimmerking]

Who ask you cheezie go tee guy. Get a job !!!!!!


mike

Oh ya the stand is looking awesome too. can't wait for Doug to come in an snap and few shots .....


Mike