How much Substrate is ideal?

Im upgrading to a 36g bowfront. 30L X 15D (22H). Im transferring everything from my existing tank to the new one ...except the substrate. Is there an ideal depth for substrate? I plan to use a (not too fine) Caribbean or Bahama reef type of sand.

 

Usually 1b per gallon is the rule I use. For my 55g I got 60lbs of arag sand and it was the perfect amount for me. I have about a 3-4" sandbed.

So I would get 2 20lb bags should be fine.

 

Thanks Mojo ....I was thinking 3-4", but your conversion of pounds to gallons made it easier for me. I appreciate your input!

 

Yeah I had 60# in my 55 but I just upgraded to a 75gal tank so now i have 100# I like it because i like to see the critters digging around the sand on the glass.

 

i have 50lbs in my 55. My next tank will have less. It's too thick for my liking.

(1.5 - 2"). Next tank I won't go over 1".

 

So its a matter of preference, as far as depth is concerned (I assume). Or ...is there a depth that is "ideal" for the health of the tank?

 

Sandbeds are a haven for debris so I use a fine Caribsea Oolite and go no more than 1". Every week or so I will sift through the sand and let the debris get picked up in the filtration system and then I change out the floss and all is well. Sand is basically for cosmetic use. One bag of 20 lbs will probably be fine. You can always add more but make sure it's live sand. I add the sand by using a coffee cup and slowly bring it down to the bottom of the tank and then turn it over and you'll have less cloudiness in the tank that way. I use eggcrate on the bottom of my tank and then put the rock on it. This keeps the rocks sturdy, protects in case of an avalanche and keeps fish that dig from toppling the rocks. In many fish stores they don't use sand so the tank is easier to keep clean. The rock is the important biological factor in a tank. IMO

 

I have a DSB because I have a Gold Headed sleeper goby and i need lots of space for the bugs to multiply in or he will starve to death. Plus it is beneficial to the health of the aquarium from everything I have read on the net. A fuge is great but both is better.

 

LFS stores don't need substrate because the livestock doesn't stay long, they are in and out all the time.