Best Sand substrate for Crystal CLEAR water in a FOWLR tank??

CMC53 · 02-15-2012, 08:34 PM

I'm setting up my tank and I have been going back and forth on different substrates..

First I bought a very fine cheap quality sand but read the reviews and people said it was too fine and kicked up causing the water to appear cloudy.

Therefore I went with a more course sand Gotham Aquatics | ESV Ultra White Calcium Carbonate Reef Substrate (Fine Grade) 50 lbs | isgon26 ipower and people say it still may cause cloudy water..

I hear crushed coral wont kick up but then I hear it will spike nitrates.

So if I want crystal clear wter which substrate should I choose??

jdrak · 02-15-2012, 08:41 PM

he one you like and TIME

Corailline · 02-15-2012, 08:41 PM

I like aragonite, nothing sugar fine.

Mr. Bill · 02-15-2012, 11:27 PM

What types of fish do you plan to keep? That will determine your options. I.E.- if you wish to keep gobies or other burrowing/sifting fish, then it will need to be relatively fine; if you're planning to house larger free-swimming angels, triggers, etc, then you can use most anything.

BTW- crushed coral can be vacuumed periodically with an aquarium gravel-vac to keep it clean...

CMC53 · 02-16-2012, 12:26 AM

Thanks for the replies..

I was mostly thinking about housing Triggers, Angels, Tangs, etc.. But I heard it is good to get some bottom dwellers for Algae control, so I dont know...

Anyone else have any suggestiongs? All input is welcomed..

inwall75 · 02-16-2012, 03:23 AM

I like Carribsea Fiji Pink. It's fine enough for jawfish, gobies, pistols but large enough to not blow around (once the bacterial biofilm grows on it).

02-15-2012, 08:34 PM	#1
CMC53 Astrea Snail Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 62 Skin: Mint Karma: 2655	Best Sand substrate for Crystal CLEAR water in a FOWLR tank?? I'm setting up my tank and I have been going back and forth on different substrates.. First I bought a very fine cheap quality sand but read the reviews and people said it was too fine and kicked up causing the water to appear cloudy. Therefore I went with a more course sand Gotham Aquatics \| ESV Ultra White Calcium Carbonate Reef Substrate (Fine Grade) 50 lbs \| isgon26 ipower and people say it still may cause cloudy water.. I hear crushed coral wont kick up but then I hear it will spike nitrates. So if I want crystal clear wter which substrate should I choose??

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02-15-2012, 08:41 PM	#2
jdrak Astrea Snail Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 66 Skin: Mint Karma: 175143	he one you like and TIME

02-15-2012, 08:41 PM	#3
Corailline 3reef Moderator Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: It is a dry heat, yeah right ! Posts: 13,808 Skin: Mint Karma: 125995409	I like aragonite, nothing sugar fine.

02-15-2012, 11:27 PM	#4
Mr. Bill Giant Squid Join Date: May 2011 Location: Bainbridge, MD Age: 55 Posts: 3,146 Skin: Mint Karma: 78158037	What types of fish do you plan to keep? That will determine your options. I.E.- if you wish to keep gobies or other burrowing/sifting fish, then it will need to be relatively fine; if you're planning to house larger free-swimming angels, triggers, etc, then you can use most anything. BTW- crushed coral can be vacuumed periodically with an aquarium gravel-vac to keep it clean...

02-16-2012, 12:26 AM	#5
CMC53 Astrea Snail Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 62 Skin: Mint Karma: 2655	Thanks for the replies.. I was mostly thinking about housing Triggers, Angels, Tangs, etc.. But I heard it is good to get some bottom dwellers for Algae control, so I dont know... Anyone else have any suggestiongs? All input is welcomed..

02-16-2012, 03:23 AM	#6
inwall75 3reef Moderator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: America Posts: 7,168 Skin: Classic Karma: 6810248	I like Carribsea Fiji Pink. It's fine enough for jawfish, gobies, pistols but large enough to not blow around (once the bacterial biofilm grows on it).