How much
How much sand for a 180 gallon?
Pre-calculated for the 180 gallon (72 × 24 × 25 in · raw volume ≈ 187 US gal · water volume ≈ 170 US gal).
By scenario
| Scenario | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1" shallow / aesthetic bed | 85 lb 5 × 20-lb bag. No denitrification. Acceptable for SPS frag tanks. |
| 2" standard sand bed (most reefs) | 170 lb 9 × 20-lb bag. Best look-to-maintenance ratio for mixed reefs. |
| 4" deep sand bed (DSB) | 340 lb 17 × 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
Aragonite bags. Special Grade is the modern reef default; Pink Fiji is finer.
CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade reef sand
Live aragonite, no rinse, 2-inch grain. Reef default.
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CaribSea Pink Fiji aragonite sand
Pink tinge, fine grain.
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Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Aragonite sand
Cheaper alternative to CaribSea.
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