Sand

Aquarium sand for reef tanks

A sand bed is home to bacteria, worms and pods that help keep a reef clean. Our aquarium sand includes live aragonite sand, which comes with helpful bacteria, and dry aragonite sand, which is clean and cost-effective.

Choosing sand

Fine sand suits fish that dig or bury themselves, such as wrasses and sand-sifting gobies. Coarser sand is less likely to blow around in strong flow. Aragonite also helps buffer pH.

Rinse dry sand before use to reduce cloudiness. Live sand, on the other hand, should go in without rinsing.

Common questions

How much sand do I need?

About one pound per gallon gives a one-inch sand bed. Many reefers aim for one to two inches.

Do I need rock too?

Most reefs use both. Browse our reef rock to build your aquascape.