---

It’s time now for your live sand.

Live sand or aragonite is the most popular type of substrate for your reef aquarium. It can be purchased from the LFS (local fish store). Other types of sand can be used, but I recommend you stick with some form of live aragonite.

Your substrate along with the live rock is vital and forms the biological filter base of the aquarium. If you choose to use a non-living media, it will become "live" over time as the tank goes through the cycling process and the aquarium matures.

Deep sand beds (2 to 4 inches) are becoming a thing of the past. They cause more trouble than they are worth. That's not to say you shouldn't make a DSB, just that you should research it to see what you're up against.

I recommend you have a depth between 1/2" and 1" maximum.

It comes in a variety of grain sizes. I prefer fine white type but you choose what appeals to you.

---

How do I add it to my tank?

No matter how you add the substrate to your reef, the water is going to get cloudy. It's best to turn off the circulation pumps as they will only make it worse. One method is to use a small cup, fill it with the sand and slowly lower it into your tank, and then empty it slowly when you are close to the bottom of the tank.

Another method is to put the substrate into a plastic bag. Hold the bag closed as you put it into your tank. Slowly open the bag when it is near the bottom of the tank and empty it.

Like I said, regardless of how you get it into your tank, it is going to get stirred up and turn the water cloudy. This is no big deal. I would wait about an hour before you turn the pumps back on, unless the water clears before that time.

---

Back to Reef Aquarium Setup

Exit Live Sand and Return to Homepage