Sands' Grades

[Kelbin]

Hi bros n sis, just wondering the sand used in marine got grades? I trying to learn more before i start. I see alot of ppl selling Grade 1 sand.. "Live sand" what does it means? Thank u in advance for replies and info share.

[Ketchup]

yes, got grade.. grade 0 is the finest... Live sand are those that comes packed with live bacteria which helps to cycle the tank faster.

[LaW]

the grading is simple the range of sizes.

grade 0 is the finest, so fine that makes it looks like table sugar

grade 1 is slightly bigger.

grade 2, even larger.

and 3 is more of pebbles sized.

for marine, if you want to keep animal that sleeps in the sand, go for grade 0 to be safe.

grade 1 is the max you can go if you want safety for them.

but then while it is extremely beautiful to have grade 0 sand, it is extremely easy to get sand storm as well.

happy reefing.

[TayHongSiang]

can mix grade 0 and grade 1 together.....

[Kelbin]

Thank you bros for the inputs!

[np73]

My sandbed is rather thin, maybe 2 inches at most. The tank is already inhabited. If I want to increase the depth, can I just top up live sand (either the packaged ones or from someone's tank) direct into the tank with all the inhabitants still in it? Or is there some procedure to do so?

[Ketchup]

My sandbed is rather thin, maybe 2 inches at most. The tank is already inhabited. If I want to increase the depth, can I just top up live sand (either the packaged ones or from someone's tank) direct into the tank with all the inhabitants still in it? Or is there some procedure to do so?

If you just pour in, will have tsunami... and all the sands will be stirred up..

I am also considering of adding in some live sand (cos mine is black live sand anyway). So i believe one way is to use a funnel on top and extend a hard tube (like those rubber hose) and slowly pour into the area (preferable side of the tank).

[teebs]

My sandbed is rather thin, maybe 2 inches at most. The tank is already inhabited. If I want to increase the depth, can I just top up live sand (either the packaged ones or from someone's tank) direct into the tank with all the inhabitants still in it? Or is there some procedure to do so?

Yes, you can do it but you will need to off all your return pumps and wavemakers otherwise you will have a sandstorm.