Just A Quick Substrate Question

[VictorMeldrew]

Hi all

I am going to buy my substrate for my reef set up tomorrow, i am only buying the dry stuff, no live, my question is, do i need to have layers of different stuff or will all coral sand be ok?

Thanks

 

[SkiFletch]

All one type is fine

 

[VictorMeldrew]

All one type is fine

Thanks Ski

About 4" deep, am i correct?

 

[SkiFletch]

Too much, go for 1-2". Prolly ~40lbs for that size tank

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Too much, go for 1-2". Prolly ~40lbs for that size tank

Really, i am surprised, Thats good news, Thanks for your help

 

[garybuk]

Too much, go for 1-2". Prolly ~40lbs for that size tank

Really, i am surprised, Thats good news, Thanks for your help

I dont follow meny people on hear! but your one is one i do follow! keep up the good work and pics

 

[VictorMeldrew]

Thanks gary its great to know people are interested, i will be updating with pics soon

Does the sand have to slop from the back to the front as you would with a fresh water set-up?

 

[xxBarneyxx]

It depends if your going to bother syphoning it off or not. Personally I found the sand in my marine tank was kept clean anyway without me touching it and I just chucked it all in

 

[garybuk]

Thanks gary its great to know people are interested, i will be updating with pics soon

Does the sand have to slop from the back to the front as you would with a fresh water set-up?

I and i think others! wouldnt put sand at the back!

dont stack the liverock on sand! as some fish dig under the stand and your liverock will fall over !


Edit: i cant rember if your adding liverock

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yeah best to put the LR right on the glass and then just fill in around it with sand.

 

[ox5477]

def best to put lor on the glass, or build a stand out for each piece if you dont want half the rock under then sand.

For the sand thickness, 1-2" is plenty as anythign from this to 6" is really not doing any benefit so why spend the extra money. Beyond 6", you get into whats called a DSB... which can help convert and contain nitrates. But for tank, a thin layer, 1-2" or BB (barebottom) is perfect.

Ox