How many pounds of substrate do I need for a 60 gal hexagon tank?

Discussion in 'Sand' started by sollie7, Dec 19, 2009.

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  1. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    also should I order

    crushed coral

    aragonite sand


    or arag alive sand

    thanks
     
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  3. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    I think the general rule of thumb is 1 - 1.5 pounds of sand per gallon. And you want aragonite sand. I'm not sure exactly why, but I've read and heard to stay away from crushed coral.
     
  4. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    Might need to use less than for a "normal" 60gal. tank,if your hex is on the tall side as many seem to be.It is the opinion of a lot of people,including myself that paying extra for live sand is not necessary,plain dry aragonite sand will do just fine and will become live in time.The reason some people don't reccomend using crushed coral is it tends to trap detrius and other waste.
     
  5. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    yeah my tank is really tall im so exited to get it set up

    getting things for it for christmas

    should have it set up by the new year

    is 30lbs sand good?

    anyone try this additive?

    Coral & Invertebrate Supplements: Instant Ocean Reef Accelerator
     
  6. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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  7. sailorguy

    sailorguy Torch Coral

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    40lb might be good,I think most sand is sold in 20lb bags so you could try two and see how you like it.You can always add more if needed,most people try for a 2-3 inch sandbed.Also, its recommended to stack your rock directly on the bottom glass and add your sand around it.This should make your rock more stable,less chance of it falling.I've never used that additive you gave the link for.It may not be good to use additives on a new tank until after it has cycled and has had time to stabilize,then you can test your water to see if any are necessary.In most cases you won't need anything a good salt mix doesn't already contain.For beginning a new tank startup test kits are money well spent,the API SALWATER MASTER TEST KIT is a good one,not very expensive and contains the four tests that are important for a new tank,ammonia,nitrite,nitrate and ph.Hope this helps and good luck with your new tank! Dave
     
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  9. RedGambit

    RedGambit Giant Squid

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    I personally would use around 60-80 lbs of sand, Thats just me though, would give a nice sand bed, and I would stick to the normal aragonite sand.... the live stuff is a waste of money IMO.

    I went with the 1/1 ratio of pound per gallon, and regretted it. Ended up adding about another 40 lbs just recently.
     
  10. sollie7

    sollie7 Millepora

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    thanks everyone I should be getting a test kit for christmas, and ill be using reef crystals