Lets Talk Substrate

[Xraymark]

There are a few options out there.

Anybody got any preferences or maybe not happy with their choice? Product,type, appearnace, grain size etc

I know its a decision that should be made on stocking but i'm cluless on that at the moment . So would like to pick a substrate that covers a few options and not limit me too much.

Cheers

 

[ainsy]

Just go for what you like (obviously of marine origin - you can't use play sand like you would in a FW)

As you say it depends what you want to keep.....small grains are good for burrowing animals but can get blown around by powerheads. Big grains don't get blown around but not so good for the burrowers.

One thing I would say is don't be tempted by the 'Live' sand - just a rip off - buy the same but not 'live' - much cheaper & will be just as live after a few weeks in your tank.

 

[GGtank]

I used small grain which I mixed with medium grain. That way its not so fine that cave makers cant make caves but not too coarse that burrows cant burrow.

 

[Xraymark]

Thanks for the responses.

 

[lljdma06]

Will argue for Livesand, but with certain qualifications. I live very close to the source of harvest to Floridian and Caribbean livesand, so yes, it is still quite alive (have actually seen stuff scooting about in mine while still in the bag) depending on how fresh it is. I've used this livesand in most of my tanks. Now... as time goes by... if you don't live near a source... Then, yep, probably a waste of money. I have a bag of fiji pink that I'm not so sure about and will use it only because I like the color, but not because it's alive in any way shape or form.

But, I guess it's like having a great source of cheap Liverock too. Sometimes living in a certain location has its advantages.

That being said, if you are not lucky like me and live in the land of Marine wonderfulness...

I like a mix of substrate grains as it was mentioned above. Small enough for burrowers, but with some courser grain thrown in for burrow building and bulldozing. Seagrass beds require oolite sugar grain sand. Depends. Whatever rocks your boat.

 

[ainsy]

WOW It's actually LIVE when you get it?

It is as dead as a dodo by the time it gets to this country!

 

[lljdma06]

WOW It's actually LIVE when you get it?

It is as dead as a dodo by the time it gets to this country!

Like I said, I live in a magical Marine land... Granted, not getting fish or anything like that, LOL, but pods usually and some random bits of life.