How to Do Aquarium Sand Bed Filtration

Sand bed filtration is a relatively recent development that has made maintaining reef aquariums easier. The sand itself is part of the filter system, although the tank will still need a protein skimmer. This isn't just any sand, but live sand, harvested from oceans. It's called live sand because it contains friendly bacteria that can break down waste chemicals in an aquarium.

Things You'll Need

  • One pound of live sand per gallon of your tank
  • Protein skimmer
  • Water testing kits
  • Live rock (optional)
  • Large outside filter canister (optional)
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Instructions

  1. If Wishes Were Fishes

    • 1

      Purchase live sand from an aquarium supply shop or web site. The sand grain size is about 0.05 to 0.2 mm. The general usage is one pound per gallon of your tank. This should leave a bed between one inch and two inches thick.

    • 2

      Add sand slowly to the tank as you are setting the tank up. Ideally, this and the protein skimmer should be in your tank for at least one month before you add any fish or invertebrates. If you already have gravel, crushed coral or another bedding material, remove it and then lay down the live sand.

    • 3

      Add live rock and other decorations as you like. Keep them mostly on top of the sand. Don't bury the live rock in the live sand or the sand will smother all of the helpful bacteria on the live rock.

    • 4

      Add the fish and invertebrates after one month. Remember that a general rule is four gallons per one inch of fish.

    • 5

      Test the water every week to see that the nitrates are holding steady. Be sure to do partial water changes every week, changing from one fifth to one quarter of the tank water.

    • 6

      Keep an eye on the fish and invertebrates to make sure that they are not eating all of the bacteria and plankton that the live sand produces. If that happens, then consider purchasing an empty canister or external filter and placing some of the live sand in there to be sure that at least some bacteria survives all of the time.