Substrate differences

[goma]

I was just looking at Bigjacko's thread and noticed that he used Caribsea Florida Crushed shell for substrate (relatively large pieces). I used the standard very small particle sand in mine and noticed that I always have pieces of sand flying around my tank. Is there any benefit to using the larger pieces (besides it not flying around the tank) or is it more personal preference?

[Bigjacko]

I wouldn't have used this if I could start again.

I have read in a few places that the Florida crushed shell can be a nitrate factory

It doesn't fly around the tank mind you.

[goma]

Thanks, I wonder if there is something that would provide a happy balance, no nitrates but doesn't fly around...

[redsea reefer]

Carib-sea special grade reef sand is probably what your looking for.

[TonyV]

I recently switched to a larger grade (#3) of sand and wish I did it from the start. My Carib-Sea was too fine and blew all over the place. I have so much flow in my tank (MP20, and two Maxi 1200 circ pumps) it became a daily task to clear the rocks and coral of the sand. My Yellow Coris Wrasse was also causing sand storms with the finer stuff.

[Reefmack]

The Red Sea base doesn't fly around either.

[goma]

Would it be possible to remove the current sand without destroying the current environment? I'm concerned about harming the current inhabitants. Or would it be better to just put a coarser base on top? How did you guys do it?

[TonyV]

Would it be possible to remove the current sand without destroying the current environment? I'm concerned about harming the current inhabitants. Or would it be better to just put a coarser base on top? How did you guys do it?

Yes - heres how I did it...

During my weekly water changes, I would siphon up small patches of my old substrate and replace it with new substrate. I prefer the look of a white sand bed so I frequently stir. The larger stuff mixes well with the smaller stuff. What became a daily activity of blowing sand off my rocks and coral is now all but eliminated.

Terry is also correct...the Red Sea stuff does not blow around. I also contribute the finer grades of sand causing the small debris floating around. Ever since my switch, I no longer see as much floating particles in my water. My water clarity is also much better and my SPS are thanking me for it.

[goma]

Thanks Tony - Am I understanding then that it took you a couple of weeks to completely replace the old substrate?

[JimmyJ]

Carib-sea special grade reef sand is probably what your looking for.

This is the same one I use and with my 2 circ pumps and MP10 the only sand I see moving is a few pieces accross the sand bed when the MP10 flow kicks up. Nothing gets picked up off the bed and into the water. Below is a link to exactly what I have.

CaribSea Dry Aragonite Special Grade Reef Sand

[goma]

Smartest thing I ever did - Over my last two water changes I siphoned out all of my sea sand. Last night I replaced it all with Nature's Ocean Premium Special Aragonite Reef Sand. What a difference it makes. Even after only 12 hours, when the lights came on today my wife said "Wow, that water is clean"!! There are still some particles flying about, but they will find homes in the larger pieces of sand. The tank looks cleaner and the water 10 times clearer, I just can't get over what a difference it has made.

[Dweezil]

Pictures?