Sand Colors

[olemissrebels]

Ok so what does everyone think about black sand?

[Ninong]

All black sand from natural black sand beaches is volcanic in origin. It is not calcareous (aragonite) sand. For that reason alone, I would not personally use it.

It should do not harm but it will not provide the benefits of aragonite (CaCO3) sand. Besides, a black substrate looks awful in a reef aquarium.

[Poseidon]

It does not!



That is an old pic though, from June...

[Ninong]

To each his own.

Besides, you're not using natural black sand anyway.

[Poseidon]

You're right, it is a deep gray.

[Ninong]

You're right, it is a deep gray.

Right, and it isn't natural sand either. The opening post asked about "black sand." Your substrate, Mike, isn't black and it isn't natural sand. It does not come from a natural source, like aragonite sand from the Bahama Banks or the volcanic sand from black sand beaches.



P.S. -- So, Mike, aside from the appearance, which you obviously love, how's your substrate working out for you? Do you think it's doing anything for your Mg numbers? I just have my doubts that it will actually dissolve at typical reef aquarium pH.

What sort of infauna have you noticed?