Gouramis Enjoy Aragonite Sand

Gouramis are a group of freshwater perciform fishes native to Asia. When it comes to their aquarium preferences, CaribSea Aragonite Aquarium Sand is a popular choice. This sand is ideal for marine, reef, and African Cichlid aquariums, helping to maintain a proper pH of 8.2 without the use of chemicals. It has a large surface area, with up to 100,000 sq inches per pound, and its small, smooth grains are fish-friendly, making it perfect for rays and other bottom-dwelling fish. While some customers have reported that the sand made their water cloudy and was difficult to clean, others have praised its appearance, quality, and value. It is important to note that this sand contains aragonite, which may affect the chemical composition of a freshwater aquarium. Overall, CaribSea Aragonite Aquarium Sand can be a good choice for gourami aquariums, but it is essential to consider the specific needs and preferences of your fish.

The appearance of CaribSea Aragonite sand

The sand is also said to have a "natural appearance" and "beautiful substrate for a reef aquarium". One reviewer describes the sand as "lightweight in colour" and that "under most aquarium lighting it shows off a very bright white".

The grain size of the sand is around 1–2 millimetres, although the average density varies between 72 and 96 pounds per cubic foot. The sand is also said to be "high-density", which means it "settles quickly and is easy to keep clean".

The quality of the sand

The quality of CaribSea's Aragonite sand is a mixed bag, with some customers reporting positive experiences and others negative. On the positive side, customers report that the sand is beautiful, nice, and white, and that it is a great value for the money. They also appreciate that it doesn't require rinsing before use. In addition, the sand is said to have a beneficial effect on fish behaviour, with one customer reporting that their cichlids became less aggressive and more engaged in burying themselves in the sand.

However, there are also several negative reviews, with customers reporting that the sand made their water cloudy and was difficult to clean. Some customers also mention that the sand is more like tiny, crushed shells rather than actual sand, which affects the chemical composition of freshwater aquariums. Others complain that the sand bleeds silt continuously, messing with filters and water flow devices. Overall, opinions on the quality of CaribSea's Aragonite sand are mixed, with some customers reporting positive experiences while others have had issues.

The value of the sand

CaribSea's Aragonite Aquarium Sand is an ideal substrate for marine, reef, or African Cichlid aquariums. It is designed to help maintain a proper pH of 8.2 without the use of chemicals. The sand has a large surface area, with up to 100,000 square inches per pound. It is also free of impurities such as ash, metals, pesticides, and silica, ensuring a safe and beautiful environment for fish and invertebrates.

The sand is well-regarded by customers for its value and appearance. Many customers have mentioned that it is very beautiful and offers a great value for the money. They also appreciate that it does not need to be rinsed before use and that it settles quickly in the tank. The sand is also said to be thick enough for gravel vacs but fine enough for fish to sift through.

In addition to its visual appeal and value, Aragonite Aquarium Sand is praised for its quality. Customers have reported that it is a great product for their aquariums, and some have specifically mentioned that their fish are doing well and seem to enjoy it.

However, there are some mixed reviews regarding the ease of cleaning. While some customers have found it difficult to clean, others have reported that it is not too difficult if you rinse it thoroughly before use. It is important to note that the sand may make the water cloudy initially, but this usually clears up within a few days as the sand settles and the bacteria establish themselves in the tank.

The health of fish and invertebrates

CaribSea Aragonite sand is a great option for those looking to create a healthy environment for their fish and invertebrates. Aragonite sand is ideal for marine, reef, or African Cichlid aquariums. It is designed to help maintain a proper pH of 8.2 without the use of chemicals. Aragonite sand has a vast surface area, with up to 100,000 sq inches per pound, which is beneficial for the health of your aquatic pets.

One of the key advantages of Aragonite sand is its ability to reduce nitrates more effectively than regular aquarium gravel. This is crucial for maintaining good water quality and, by extension, the health of your fish and invertebrates. The small, smooth grains of the sand are also fish-friendly, making it a perfect choice for bottom-dwelling species such as rays.

When setting up a new tank, it is important to be patient and manage your expectations regarding water quality. Aragonite sand is known to make the water cloudy, and it may take a few days to a few weeks for the water to clear. This is a normal process as the sand establishes itself in the tank and is not a cause for concern. However, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the sand before adding it to your aquarium to reduce the cloudiness.

In terms of long-term maintenance, some aquarists have reported that the effectiveness of Aragonite sand in hardening the water may decrease over time. This is due to the buildup of 'Bio-Slime' created by beneficial bacteria, which can reduce the interaction between the sand and the water. However, this process takes a significant amount of time, and Aragonite sand still provides enhanced buffering capacity, making it a stable option for sensitive fish species.

Overall, CaribSea Aragonite sand is a great choice for those looking to create a healthy and aesthetically pleasing environment for their fish and invertebrates. Its ability to maintain proper pH levels, reduce nitrates, and provide a fish-friendly substrate makes it a beneficial option for your aquarium.

The ease of cleaning the sand

CaribSea Aragonite Aquarium Sand is a popular product with generally positive reviews. However, some customers have reported that it is challenging to clean. Here are some insights regarding the ease of cleaning this sand:

Cleaning Process:

Before adding CaribSea Aragonite sand to an aquarium, it is crucial to rinse it thoroughly. Some customers recommend rinsing it multiple times or soaking it in water to ensure that any dust, debris, or excess minerals are removed. This process can be time-consuming but is essential to prevent cloudiness in the water.

Water Cloudiness:

One of the most common issues reported by customers is that the sand can make the water cloudy, especially when first added to the tank. This cloudiness can take several days to clear, and it may require multiple water changes and thorough rinsing of the sand to resolve the issue.

Difficulty in Cleaning:

Some customers have found that the sand is challenging to clean due to its tendency to make the water cloudy. It may require extra effort to rinse the sand and remove any debris or cloudiness. Additionally, the sand's fine texture can make it more difficult to vacuum or clean using traditional methods.

Tips for Easier Cleaning:

To facilitate easier cleaning, some customers recommend using a gravel vacuum designed for aquarium use. Others suggest using a bowl or a dispersed water flow when filling the tank to avoid stirring up the sand and causing cloudiness.

Overall, while CaribSea Aragonite Aquarium Sand is a well-liked product, it may require extra care and attention when it comes to cleaning. Thorough rinsing before adding it to the tank and careful water flow control can help minimize cloudiness and maintenance issues.

Frequently asked questions