Oolite Substrate Question

[naesco]

Originally Posted by Reef23

Im upgrading from my current 75 to a custom 140G and am a little confused with what substrate works best with SSB. I'm only planning on running a 1"-1.5" bed. When I set my 75G up I always read that larger substrate such as crushed coral was the way to go for an SSB. Seems now when I read people say that crushed coral harbors all the nitrates. Is fine sand the way to go? I can get a great deal on Caribsea Arag-Alive Bahamas Oolite Substrate. Has anyone used this for there DT ?
Thanks

Why shallow sand bed (SSB)? The benefit of moving up to 2 to 3 inches is as follows.

1. The bed will assist in the biological cycle in your tank.
2. The bed will be populated with all kinds of organisms from worms to bacteria that provide food for your corals and small fish in your tank.
3. It looks natural just like the ocean.
4. You get to keep neat things like small wrasse that need a sand bed to sleep in at night.
5. Sand sifting snails and conchs are fun to watch when you drop some food to the bottom of the tank.

If you still want an SSB go with the fine sand. In a few days it settles down as others have suggested.

[Reef23]

Originally Posted by naesco

Why shallow sand bed (SSB)? The benefit of moving up to 2 to 3 inches is as follows.

1. The bed will assist in the biological cycle in your tank.
2. The bed will be populated with all kinds of organisms from worms to bacteria that provide food for your corals and small fish in your tank.
3. It looks natural just like the ocean.
4. You get to keep neat things like small wrasse that need a sand bed to sleep in at night.
5. Sand sifting snails and conchs are fun to watch when you drop some food to the bottom of the tank.

If you still want an SSB go with the fine sand. In a few days it settles down as others have suggested.

I thought about running a 4"+ sandbed but have read alot of horror stories about people having lots of issues. I plan to run about 1.5" bed and continually stir it up so nothing will settle. Save money and time.