Sandbed

[dale]

I have a 55g FOWLR with a 2" sandbed. Is this good or should I increase it to 3" or more?

 

[jhale]

it depends what you want the sandbed for.

to help keep the water clean, or just for the look of sand?

 

[dale]

More for keeping the water clean.

 

[jhale]

3"-4" would be better then, i'm not a sand expert though, some will say 6" for a dsb. make sure you have enough sand critters.

 

[dale]

I assume I should add the sand in a little at a time? Also should I buy regular or live sand?

 

[Deanos]

Regular

 

[loismustdie]

there's more to a DSB than just sand. Just like BB is more than no sand. You should give more info on your system. Most importantly, skimmer and live stock. If you are not properly set up for a DSB, you will only have problems.

 

[Zuska]

Regular? So all live sand would be bad? Im starting over and was thinking of buying 40-60 lbs of live sand.

 

[jhale]

all sand will become "live", there's no need to spend money on the live version. plus the live sand in the bag may go bad, adding garbage to your new water that will have to be broken down, making the cycle longer than it needs to be.

 

[Zuska]

i see thats for the tips!

 

[dale]

So then a deep sand bed isn't always good?