Inland's
Guide to a Successful
LIVE SAND SUBSTRATE
Why do we use and recommend living sand substrates?
- Denitrification lessens dependence on regular water Changes.
- Natural Source of Calcium, Strontium and Trace elements.
- Eliminates the Need to Siphon Clean the System.
- Provides Habitat for Burrowing Fish, Anemones and other Invertebrates.
What is needed?
- At least I lb. * of Aragonitic substrate per gallon,
consisting of the following:
* 15% Live Oolitic Aragonite Sand to seed the bed
* 45% Dry Oolitic Aragonite Sand
* 25% CaribSea Reef Sand
* 15% CaribSea Aruba Shell
(NOTE: Using less than 1 lb./gallon will likely result in a bed less than 3"
deep, and will compromise the efficiency, if not the effectiveness of the sand bed. Keep
in mind that the bed will dissolve over time. We use at least 2 lb./gallon in our systems.
Adding depth during set up is MUCH easier than later. The substrate should be as
deep as the aquarist is willing to make it.)
- Foundation Rock- Enough to support the envisioned reef
structure. "Foundation Rock" is Base Rock (preferred) or Dead Rock flat on two
sides, used to support the rock work. Without it, the reef structure is doomed to
collapse, as the sand bed dissolves.
- Reef Rubble, Such as dead Acropora skeletons, Astrea
shells and Dead Rock Rubble. "Reef Rubble" is also commercially available. 4)
Detritivore Starter Kit- (optional) Consisting of Spaghetti Worms, Chitons, Amphipods,
baby Bristle Worms, and other detritus eating organisms.
How do I construct my living sand bed ?
- The construction of the sand bed will have a great effect on the
appearance of the completed reef display. Don't put anything in the tank until you
can envision the aquascape you are attempting to create in your system. Sketches are very
helpful.
- Proper placement of the Foundation Rock is extremely important! The rock
should be placed on the bare bottom of the tank with two goals in mind:
- Reef Rock Support: Pieces Oat on two sides are ideal. One
flat side will suffice. Flattest side should always be on the bottom.
- Anti Erosion: If you wish to create a dynamic substrate
with peaks and valleys, plateaus and other high "ground" must be buttressed with
rock and/or rubble. Otherwise, substrates will quickly equalize throughout the
display. When possible, pieces should be placed such that they function as both. The
majority of the pieces should be placed where their top surface will be even with, or just
above, the surface of the (envisioned) sand bed. Minimizing contact between reef rock and
sand will aid circulation and bio-filtration. If properly placed, the rock will serve as a
rough 3-D blueprint for the intended aquascape, greatly simplifying the task of arranging
the substrate.
- Support any "wobbly" rock pieces with Reef Rubble.
- Place several handfuls of Reef Rubble in one or two locations where the
sand will be deepest. If you intend to keep sand sifting fishes, such as Jawfish or
Sleeper Gobies, place the piles where you would most like to have them burrow.
- Once all rock pieces are secured, place the Live Oolitic Aragonite Sand
in two piles on either end of the tank. The piles should be an inch deep or deeper; don't
spread it thin. Move quickly to the next step, this will minimize loss of the anaerobic
bacteria. Note: If at all possible, get your live sand from a local friend or pet store,
as it should contain live detritivores. If you must mail order your sand, be sure to seed
it with detritivores.
- Pile a couple of inches of Dry Oolitic Aragonite Sand on top of the live
sand piles to exclude oxygen, refreshing the anaerobic bacteria colonies. You are now
ready to complete your aquascape.
- Using the Foundation Rock as your guide, add the remaining Dry Oolitic
Aragonite Sand and a small portion of the CaribSea Reef Sand (to provide variance of
texture) to create the general shape and depth of the sand bed.
- If you like, bury Branch Rock, or other elongate rock pieces such that
they provide a foundation 4-6 inches above the substrate, upon which to build.
- Place several additional handfuls of Reef Rubble in the same areas where
the now buried piles were placed earlier.
- Use the remaining CaribSea Reef Sand, CaribSea Aruba Shell, and Reef
Rubble to:
- Weight down the oolitic sand. While uniform coverage is certainly not
required placing a thin layer of these substrates over the Oolitic Aragonite Sand will
promote rapid settling and minimize clouding.
- Produce a naturally attractive display. Use the remaining substrates to
break up the monotony of the Oolite with contrasting textures. For example, placing
CaribSea Aruba Shell on the top layer at one side of the tank, and the Reef Sand in the
middle, flowing together at some point, creates a very natural presentation.
- Examine your creation to ensure it will provide an adequate foundation
for your reef structure. Don't proceed until you are confident! If you are worried about
adequate erosion control in the higher areas, add some reef rubble or other supporting
structures. The time spent at this point is well worth it.
- Place a plastic grocery bag or other soft plastic, on the substrate and
slowly pour water on top of it, being careful to minimize clouding. Add enough water to
cover the sand bed with a couple of inches. Allow any clouding to settle.
- Build Reef Rock structure up from the supporting Foundation Rock. The
amount of rock needed will vary with the dimensions of the tank, as wider tanks will
require more; however, as a general rule, we recommend 1 lb. per gallon of quality cured
live rock be used.
- Fill the aquarium.
- Add Detritivores, especially if using mail ordered live sand. We also
recommend Scarlet Reef Hermits or Blue legged Hermits (approximately one per gallon) be
added at this time. Queen Conchs and Brittle or Serpent Stars will also aid in
"raking" the top layer.
After a day or so, "Sifters" can be added to begin stirring
the substrate. The most common are Jawfish and Sleeper Gobies; however, we recommend
adding invertebrate sifters first. Some of our favorites include:
- Sand Dwelling Stars $ 24.99
- Sand Dollars $ 9.99
- Baby Sea Biscuits $12.99
- Sand Eating Cucumbers $ 15.99
- Pistol Shrimp $ 29.99
- Globe Urchins S 19.99
See Our Complete Pricelist.
To minimize maintenance requirements use a Refugium
with your living sand substrate. |
CHANGING THE WAY 
