Advantages of using Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand 9,07kg 1.0 – 2.0mm

1. Reduced movement under flow
   Because its grains are larger (1–2 mm), it is less likely to be kicked up or form “sandstorms” under moderate to strong water movement than finer sands. This provides stability in higher-flow reef tanks.

2. Quicker biological cycling
   The live bacteria included help “jumpstart” the nitrification & nitrogen cycle, which can reduce the typical ammonia/nitrite spike period in new setups.

3. Buffering & chemical support
   Being aragonite, it gradually releases carbonate and calcium under acidic conditions, supporting pH stability and supplementing trace elements.

4. Good compromise grain size
   The 1–2 mm range is a middle ground: fine enough to support biological colonization, yet coarse enough to resist disturbance. It’s often recommended for tanks with moderate flow and where a stable bed is desired.

5. Ease of use
   Because it is “live” and marketed as ready to use, less pre-processing is needed (less rinsing) compared to inert dry sands, which saves time and preserves beneficial bacterial populations.

Things to Watch Out For

• Initial clouding / dust
  Even “live” sands will include fine particulate matter. When first filling, expect some cloudiness. Using a plate, bag, or pouring water gently onto a flat surface helps reduce disturbance.

• Disturbance / deep cleaning issues
  Strong siphoning that disturbs the bed deeply can damage bacterial communities or resuspend detritus. It’s better to perform gentle or partial cleaning.

• Not ideal for very deep anaerobic beds
  Because the grains are not extremely coarse, if you intend to build very deep sand beds to support strong anaerobic denitrification, compaction and limited oxygen diffusion may reduce effectiveness at deeper layers.

• Supply & viability concerns
  Since the “live bacteria” depend on proper packaging and storage, older or poorly stored bags may have reduced bacterial viability.

• Compatibility with livestock / bottom dwellers
  Some sand-sifting or digging species prefer finer substrate; they may find 1–2 mm somewhat coarser. But many can still work with it.

Tips when using CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand

• No (or minimal) rinsing
  To preserve the live bacteria, avoid rinsing in tap water. If any rinse is needed, use tank water.

• Gentle filling technique
  Place a plate, bag, or other divider on the substrate and pour water over it, so the incoming water does not stir up the sand.

• Initial low flow near bed
  During the first days/weeks, reduce intense flow right above the substrate so it can settle and colonize.

• Use proper depth
  A typical depth of 1–2 inches (≈ 2.5–5 cm) is common. Avoid excessively deep beds unless carefully managed.

• Monitor water parameters
  During the cycling period, test ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity to ensure stability.

• Partial disturbance only
  When cleaning or siphoning, work in sections, not over the entire sandbed at once.