Sand Questions

OK, so I'm planning on setting up a 40-55gal reef tank in June-July. I'm not so sure about whether I should get black or white sand. I like the way black looks compared to the coral colors, but I like white sand better in general.
Here's a reef tank with black sand:

And here's a tank with white sand:

Please post your opinions on the advantages/disadvantages of white vs. black sand! Thanks!

 

There are black sands that are every bit as good a substrate as white sands, so it's all personal preference!

My personal preference is white sugar sized sand bed in the 1-2" depths for my displays.

 

OK thanks!

 

I had black sand in one of my old tanks. It was black for about a month or 2, then it got bits of rock and detritus all over it & was no longer all black. I've seen some really nice black/white mixes, though.

 

Never even thought about using black sand... but i think the tank with the black sand looks awesome. i like the color balance of the black sand tank, very pleasing to the eyes

 

I like white better just looks cleaner in my opinion