How much sand for a Standard 10 gallon?
Pre-calculated for the Standard 10 gallon (20 × 10 × 12 in · raw volume ≈ 10 US gal · water volume ≈ 8 US gal).
By scenario
| Scenario | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1" shallow / aesthetic bed | 10 lb 1 × 20-lb bag. No denitrification. Acceptable for SPS frag tanks. |
| 2" standard sand bed (most reefs) | 20 lb 1 × 20-lb bag. Best look-to-maintenance ratio for mixed reefs. |
| 4" deep sand bed (DSB) | 39 lb 2 × 20-lb bag. Provides anaerobic denitrification. Old-tank-syndrome risk after 5+ years. |
| Bare bottom | 0 lb Frag tanks, ULNS, maximum-flow setups. Best detritus visibility. |
Brands hobbyists actually use
Affiliate linksAragonite bags. Special Grade is the modern reef default; Pink Fiji is finer.
CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade reef sandLive aragonite, no rinse, 1–2 mm grain. Reef default.View on Amazon →CaribSea Pink Fiji aragonite sandPink tinge, fine grain.View on Amazon →Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite sandCheaper alternative to CaribSea.View on Amazon →
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, reefcalcs earns from qualifying purchases.
Related
Last reviewed