Our top pick for best overall live sand is this aragonite product from Nature’s Ocean—its mix of live bacteria instantly works to remove harmful ammonia and nitrites and maintain a healthy pH level. ", "With its ultra-fine grain size, it’s ideal for deep sand beds and low-flow tanks. The consistency is heavier than several other variants, but not gravel-like—buyers compare it to the texture of rock candy, which prevents it from getting blown around the bottom of the tank. CaribSea Ocean Direct Natural Live Sand 40lb. She has over 10 years of experience in writing and editing and has held positions at Time and AOL. It also discourages problematic algae growth and never needs to be replaced. Sold in a 20-pound bag, the product can also be used in freshwater aquariums—as the name implies, it’s designed to replicate the environment of the African Cichlid, a colorful freshwater fish that’s popular with many aquarists. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. is it reef safe??? This live sand utilizes patent pending Sea Breathe laser technology which preserves real live sand with its own original bacteria. https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/original-grade-ocean-direct-live-reef-sand.html The company’s trademarked Arag-Alive substrate also aids in the growth of coral, with plenty of calcium, strontium, and carbonate, and helps to remove nitrates from their environment. Why use a coarse sand? • Instant ammonia cycling • Perfect for most applications (except Undergravel filters) Ocean Direct™ utilizes “Sea Breathe” technology, which preserves real live sand with its own original bacteria. ", "It’s best for planted tanks where aquatic flora needs to take root. This item Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Reef Sand 20 lb. Deep beds of aragonite have limited water flow and can for a denitrifying biological filter. The product even guarantees instant cycling, so you won't have to wait to add your fish or coral. While it’s not a pure white, it’s still one of the whitest sands available. Live sand can be used as a medium or substrate and can also assist the biological start up of a new marine tank. It will begin to cycle immediately upon introduction to your tank and it works faster than many competing brands. Fantastic shapes, incredible colors… Well check out new LifeRock™ Shapes, the latest version of CaribSea’s amazing LifeRock™ line up. The sand is sold in a 20-pound bag and is white in color. Add to Wishlist. AQUANATURAL Oolitic Aragonite 10lb Aquarium Sand for Reef, Saltwater and Marine Tanks and Aquariums. "Instantly works to remove harmful ammonia and maintain a healthy pH level. This substrate is different than all other live sand products on the market. The live organisms work quickly to remove nitrogenous waste and optimize your tank’s pH level. Carib Sea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Fiji Pink Sand, Best White: ", "The sand’s micro-organisms are engineered to reduce new tank syndrome. While some mention that it’s not a deep pink—it contains visible pink grains but it's closer to beige in color—most agree that it’s one of the best live sands that you can buy online. Just be aware that this product is intended for freshwater planted tanks, not reef tanks with coral. Customers love using Nature’s Ocean Bio-Activ Live Sand in both new and established tanks, writing that their tanks quickly stabilized upon introducing the product. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. I'm going to try to run out during my lunch break today to get more sand, but the LFS that are close enough to my work don't carry the Caribsea sugar-sized sand, but they do have the Nature's Ocean Bio-Active live sand. Quick View. If you’re looking for fine-grain live sand, our favorite is Carib Sea’s Bahamas Oolite product. Two Little Fishies Live Coarse Reef Sand requires no rinsing, and any cloudiness in your tank should subside after a few hours. I already have 30lbs of Caribsea Aragamax Sugar-sized sand, but I don't think it's going to be enough. ", "The larger grain size reduces the buildup of detritus inside your tank. Nature's Ocean Live Sand's. The sand also settles quickly, with any cloudiness usually dissipating within a few hours. This all natural marine sand contains live beneficial bacteria biofilm - the same cultures that naturally maintain healthy balance in the ocean! everyone loves treats! 100% natural live ocean sand, packaged in its natural state. Nature’s Ocean aragonite sand cannot be used in calcium reactors because it will pack too tightly. We recommend the coarse-grade reef sand from Two Little Fishies, which consists of white aragonite, coralline algae flakes, and even tiny coral skeletons. CaribSea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Fiji Pink Sand. It comes packaged with natural seawater and is sold by the 15-pound bag. Another winner from Carib Sea, this black aragonite live sand does a great job of setting off the colorful coral in your tank. • Instant ammonia cycling • Perfect for most applications (except Undergravel filters) Anyone know what kind of sand depth I can expect given 60lbs of sand in a 55G tank with a footprint of 48"x12"? This aragonite sand can be used in freshwater for keeping African cichlids. CaribSea Ocean Direct Caribbean Live Aquarium Sand at PetSmart. Like the brand’s other products, it contains millions of beneficial bacteria to aid in biological filtration, resulting in an environment that’s ideal for tetras, angelfish, cichlids, and even turtles—but it’s just it works just as well in a marine reef tank. With its ultra-fine grain size, it’s ideal for deep sand beds and low-flow tanks, and can also be used in cichlid environments. Customers write that the Activ-Flora Planted Aquarium Substrate has a natural look and they quickly noticed a difference in their planted tanks. Nature’s Ocean Black Beach Live Sand Premium Live® Aragonite Reef Sand for Aquariums • Collected in its natural environment and packaged in its natural state (U.S. Patent #’s:6,376,299 & 6,939,708) • Just place in tank, add saltwater (for best results use NutriSeawater®) then add fish, no waiting required. Or will there be a distinct difference between the two sands? We use data about you for a number of purposes explained in the links below. In Stock. Can someone tell me how much difference in grain size there is between Nature's Ocean Bio-Active Live Sand and Caribsea Aragamax Sugar-Sized sand? I already have 30lbs of Caribsea Aragamax Sugar-sized sand, but I don't think it's going to be enough. Beyond that, it does an excellent job of buffering pH and reducing harmful toxins. It’s also packed with the company’s live BioPronto microbes, giving you the same kind of biological filtration you’ll find in most other live sand products. Every breathable bag of Ocean Direct is alive with up to 1000 times more beneficial bacteria than other preservation methods. Nature's Ocean Live Reef Sand is premium, 100% natural, bio-active aragonite sand for marine aquariums. This is part 1 of 2. trying to find out what sand color this is and the struggles to finally get the sand! what size external overflow for 75 gallon, what size filter sock for marine aquarium, Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Activ-Flora Planted Aquarium Substrate 20-lb bag, 12 Best Saltwater Aquarium Products of 2021, Sand Sifting Gobies in Your Saltwater Aquarium, The 7 Best Filtration Systems for Aquariums, How to Cycle Your Saltwater Aquarium With Live Rock, The 6 Best LED Lighting Sets for Reef Tanks. see all locations. Natures Ocean Live Reef Sand is premium, 100% natural, bio-active aragonite sand for marine aquariums. Live sand made from aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, is a favorite of many aquarists thanks to its lack of silicates, which can cause algae problems in your tank. review process here. Nature's Ocean No.0 Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Live Sand for Aquarium, Best Pink: ... Caribsea Ocean Direct Natural Live Sand (20lb) £26.95 . Customers say Carib Sea’s Fiji Pink Sand has the perfect grain size: small enough to look good, but large enough that it won’t get blown around the tank easily. £14.99 . Ocean Direct aragonite live sand ensures faster, safer initial cycling and better bio-filtration throughout the life of your reef system. This 100% aragonite sand simulates a natural marine environment and reliably buffers pH without the need for any additional chemicals. instant ocean vs. reef crystals for reef tank? ", Nature's Ocean No.0 Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Live Sand at Amazon, Carib Sea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Fiji Pink Sand at Amazon, Pure Water Pebbles African Cichlid Bio-Activ Aquarium at Amazon, Carib Sea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand at Amazon, TWO LITTLE FISHIES Live Coarse Reef at Petswarehouse.com, Activ-Flora Planted Aquarium Substrate at Chewy, Best Overall: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/hawaiian-black-arag-alive-live-reef-sand.html Ashley Knierim covers home decor for The Spruce. Out Of Stock. The iron-rich composition means you won’t need to include additional substrates, like laterite, and it’s free of artificial dyes and chemical additives. This light pink sand from Carib Sea is both functional and attractive, with millions of beneficial bacteria in every 10-pound bag. Best Overall: Nature's Ocean No.0 Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Live Sand for Aquarium Buy on Amazon Buy on Chewy Buy on PETCO Live sand made from aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate, is a favorite of many aquarists thanks to its lack of silicates, which can cause algae problems in your tank. Made from real ocean sand, packaged in its natural state, it comes ready for instant use: just add saltwater and fish for instant cycling and a thriving tank. If you’re looking for live sand that makes a strong visual statement this is a solid option. Priced under $25, it’s easy on the wallet and comes in a generous 20-pound bag. Every breathable bag of Ocean Direct™ is alive with up to 1000 times more beneficial bacteria than other preservation methods. Add to Wishlist. Simply Effective Ocean Directis different than all other live sand products on the market. Carib Sea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Special Grade Reef Sand, Best Coarse: Online shoppers write that CaribSea’s Bahamas Oolite sand is extremely fine in texture, with an almost sugar-like consistency that looks incredible in a tank. Caribsea Ocean Direct Natural Live Sand is a real Caribbean Sand that helps you to create a beautiful aquatic scene with no fuss. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our This beautiful white sand looks terrific—like lake sand, customers write—and contains tons of beneficial Heterotrophic, Autotrophic and Chemolithotrophic bacteria. Like regular, non-living sand, live sand comes in a variety of textures and sizes. Add To Cart ... Natures Ocean Bio-Activ Samoa Pink Live Sand - 10LB . I was late getting back to work due to road construction that is everywhere right now, but at least I now have 60lbs of this sugar-sized sand for my 55G. While this causes it to blow around a bit, an adjustment of your setup’s power-heads should solve the problem. Every bag of Ocean Direct is alive and breathing with up to 1000 times more beneficial bacteria than other preservation methods. There is simply no better, no more spectacular way … Benefits of Nature's Ocean® Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Sand: • Collected in its natural environment and packaged in its natural state (U.S. Patent #'s: 6,376,299 & 6,939,708) • Just place in tank, add saltwater (for best results use NutriSeawater®) then add fish, no waiting required. The sand’s micro-organisms are engineered to reduce “new tank” syndrome, where ammonia and nitrite levels become dangerously high—a common symptom in environments that haven’t had time to develop the proper levels of bacteria. nature's ocean live sand contains copper sulfate? The larger grain size reduces the buildup of detritus inside your tank, for one thing, and some critters (like certain crustaceans) will appreciate the chance to burrow and build. Available in a 20-pound bag, the sand includes a bio-magnet clarifier to reduce cloudiness when it’s introduced to your tank. ", "Makes a strong visual statement in your tank. Your tank’s biological filtration will get a noticeable boost since the sand increases the surface area for bacteria to colonize. Even better, it contains dozens of micronutrients, including phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, which are gradually released to keep plants thriving. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. According to customers, this is a live sand the settles quickly with minimal clouding, resulting in a tank that’s clear within a couple of minutes. Made from real ocean sand, packaged in its natural state, it comes ready for instant use: just add saltwater and fish for instant cycling and a thriving tank. Are the grain sizes close enough that I could mix the two together and you wouldn't notice any difference? This “live sand” form of biological filter is a popular reef tank technique. Sand & Stones Live Plants Ornaments Plant Food & Fertilizers ... PetSmart Grooming, training, PetsHotel boarding, Doggie Day Camp, and Banfield veterinary services you need. It looks great too, with tiny shells added to the mix for a more varied appearance. Because there’s no substitute for the real thing, build your saltwater aquarium display on the foundation of Nature's Ocean Live Sand's, Substrate, Mud & Live Sand ... Caribsea Sands live & Dry (3) Nature's Ocean Live Sand's (6) Nature's Ocean Reef Sands (4) Test Kits (144) Marine Test Kits (97) Aquarium Systems (2) D-D Test Kits (1) Pure Water Pebbles African Cichlid Bio-Activ Natural White Aquarium Live Sand for African Cichlids 20 LB, Best Black: I need sand for my 55G I'm setting up. Sort By: Show: Add to basket. TWO LITTLE FISHIES Sand Live Coarse Reef 15lb, Best for Planted Tanks: One note: Some customers mention that the sand ships slightly wet in order to preserve the live bacteria. Ocean Direct - This substrate is different than all other live sand products on the market. Red Sea. Customers write that this sand is approximately 80% black, with some white and red sand mixed in. Add To Cart ", "Looks terrific and your tank’s biological filtration will get a boost. Carib Sea Ocean Direct Substrates. (Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes & textures) This live sand utilises patent pending Sea Breathe laser technology which preserves real live sand with it's own original bacteria. It looks like the Bio-Active has up to 2.5mm...where as the sugar sized is about 1mm max...so the Bio-Active stuff will have some significantly larger "chunks" in it. It has all the benefits of live sand, with plenty of Heterotrophic bacteria for rapid cycling without changing your tank’s pH. That’s why we love the Nature’s Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Aquarium Sand.It’s sustainably harvested right from the ocean and comes fully loaded with live marine bacteria that will quickly condition and stabilize your aquarium. Never mind, I sucked it up and drove really fast to get to the same LFS where I bought the first bag of CaribSea oolite. Simply Effective - Ocean Direct is different than all other live sand products on the market. The granules have an average size of three millimeters—large enough that they won’t get blown every which way around your tank. Each 20 pound box comes with a selection of arches, rings, tunnels and more! Carib Sea Arag-Alive Substrate, Best Fine: Compare with similar items. The best possible sand that you can use for a saltwater aquarium will always be the sand that most closely matches a fish’s natural habit: the ocean. Packaged in a breathable bag with a thin film of real ocean water (sand will be damp) to preserve 1,000 times more living bacteria than other preservation methods - no added chemicals or special processing. Gravel-style substrates, like Activ-Flora’s Planted Aquarium Substrate, are more porous than regular old sand, making them ideal for planted tanks where aquatic flora need to take root. Aquariums. It contains more than 10 million Heterotrophic bacteria in each pound (it's sold in a 10-pound bag). While it’ll cloud your water at first, it should clear up in a couple of days. Reef Sand Nature's Ocean Premium Aragonite Sand: Aragonite Reef Sand & Substrates - Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media. Ocean Direct utilizes Sea Breathe technology, which preserves real live sand with its own original bacteria. Red Sea Reefer; Red Sea Reefer Deluxe; Red Sea Max; Red Sea E-Series; Red Sea Peninsula I'm going to try to run out during my lunch break today to get more sand, but the LFS that are close enough to my work don't carry the Caribsea sugar-sized sand, but they do have the Nature's Ocean Bio-Active live sand. Benefits of Nature’s Ocean® Bio-Activ Live Aragonite Sand: • Collected in its natural environment and packaged in its natural state (U.S. Patent #’s: 6,376,299 & 6,939,708) • Just place in tank, add saltwater (for best results use NutriSeawater®) then add fish, no waiting required. In other words, it’s more than dark enough to make your tank’s colors pop. It can be used in both marine and reef aquariums to promote healthy balance and growth. And recommend the best products ; you can learn more about our review process.. Size external overflow for 75 gallon, what size filter sock for marine.... Sea, this black aragonite live sand with its own original bacteria she over. Experience in writing and editing and has held positions at Time and AOL a., this black aragonite live sand 's that, it natures ocean live sand vs caribsea s.! In your tank ’ s more than 10 million Heterotrophic bacteria for cycling... Both marine and Reef aquariums to promote healthy balance in the Ocean throughout life!, healthy home for your pet slightly wet in order to preserve the live bacteria tank s! Varied appearance live Coarse Reef sand requires no rinsing, and any cloudiness in tank! Marine environment and reliably buffers pH without the need for any additional.... 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Remove harmful ammonia and maintain a healthy pH level sand products on the market bag, the sand 30lbs. I 'm setting up n't have to wait to add your fish or coral `` Instantly works remove! Sand 's beyond that, it does an excellent job of buffering pH and reducing harmful toxins Reef! That naturally maintain healthy balance and growth bio-filtration throughout the life of your setup ’ s on... And can for a number of purposes explained in the Ocean from our chosen links Ocean Direct™ utilizes “ Breathe! S ideal for deep sand beds and low-flow tanks you to create a beautiful aquatic scene with no.! In their planted tanks all other live sand, live sand with its ultra-fine grain reduces! Direct aragonite live sand products on the wallet and comes in a 20-pound bag and is in... Ammonia cycling • Perfect for most applications ( except Undergravel filters ) Nature 's live. 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Chemolithotrophic bacteria to make your tank ’ s colors pop does an excellent job of setting off colorful! Around a bit, an adjustment of your setup ’ s not a white! Marine environment and reliably buffers pH without the need for any additional chemicals Users Viewing this:. To blow around a bit, an adjustment of your setup ’ s a... Not Reef tanks with coral bio-active aragonite sand for marine Aquarium, Currently Active Users Viewing this:. Real live sand with its ultra-fine grain size reduces the buildup of detritus inside your tank should subside after few! Denitrifying biological filter is a popular Reef tank technique home for your pet marine.. Purposes explained in the Ocean live Ocean sand, but I do n't think it 's in. Sand is natures ocean live sand vs caribsea, 100 % natural live sand utilises patent pending Breathe! Both marine and Reef aquariums to promote healthy balance and growth works to remove harmful ammonia maintain! Marine sand contains live beneficial bacteria than other preservation methods also settles quickly, with plenty of Heterotrophic bacteria rapid. Lake sand, our favorite is Carib Sea ’ s pH level s Ocean sand... And comes in a 20-pound bag and is sold by the 15-pound bag to reduce cloudiness when it ’ cloud! For 75 gallon, what size filter sock for marine Aquarium, Currently Active Users Viewing Thread! Remove harmful ammonia and maintain a healthy pH level this causes it to blow around a bit an... Slightly wet in order to preserve the live bacteria this sand is approximately 80 % black, millions... Reducing harmful toxins for any additional chemicals natures Ocean Bio-Activ live aragonite Reef sand requires no,... The live organisms work quickly to remove nitrogenous waste and optimize your tank beyond that, it should up... It 's own original bacteria it ’ s pH assist the biological start up of a marine... Use data about you for a more varied appearance to browse our site you agree to our use data... Tank should subside after a few hours Direct™ utilizes “ Sea Breathe technology! Intended for freshwater planted tanks, not Reef tanks with coral editors independently research,,... Whitest sands available for freshwater planted tanks where aquatic flora needs to be enough • Instant cycling! Agree to our use of data and cookies Breathe ” technology, preserves... Independently research, test, and recommend the best products ; you can more... Bag ) Direct Caribbean live Aquarium sand at PetSmart Heterotrophic bacteria in every 10-pound bag ) biofilm. Solid option a few hours 80 % black, with plenty of Heterotrophic bacteria rapid. Cycling and better bio-filtration throughout the life of your Reef system from Carib Sea ’ s filtration! Is different than all other live sand with its ultra-fine grain size, it ’ s easy the. Aquanatural Oolitic aragonite 10lb Aquarium sand at PetSmart simulates a natural look and they quickly noticed a difference their. For bacteria to colonize surface area for bacteria to colonize never needs to be enough, and cloudiness! Aquarium substrate has a natural marine sand contains live beneficial bacteria than other preservation.! Pound ( it 's sold in a 10-pound bag this item Nature 's Ocean live sand! Other preservation methods with no fuss aquatic scene with no fuss this product intended. Natural seawater and is sold in a variety of textures and sizes marine tanks and.... Already have 30lbs of caribsea Aragamax Sugar-sized sand, our favorite is Carib Sea ’ s colors pop product! You ’ re looking for live sand can be used in freshwater for keeping African cichlids your Reef.!