Using sand in pico reefs and reef jars is not just about looks. Sand can influence water quality, filtration, and even livestock behavior.
But in such tiny setups, it can also cause headaches if not managed properly. Let’s break down how to choose the right sand, decide on depth, and keep it clean so your little reef thrives without turning into a mess.
Challenges With Using Sand
With such limited space, every inch matters. Sand takes up room, less than reef rubble usually, that could otherwise be used for water volume, and in these tiny setups, even small changes can cause big swings in water chemistry.
Detritus buildup is one of the main culprits here. Without regular maintenance, uneaten food and waste settle into the sandbed, breaking down and releasing nutrients that fuel algae growth or harm your corals.
The problem gets worse because most pico tanks don’t have powerful filtration systems to handle the load. You’re left relying on manual cleaning, like siphoning out debris during water changes or forceful pours, which will disturb the sandbed and potentially cause problems if you’re not careful or do not understand what you’re doing.
Another issue is flow. High flow is important for many coral’s health, but it can kick up fine sand particles if you’re not using the right grain size. This can create cloudy water and might irritate sensitive corals or, for larger picos, clog equipment like powerheads.
Coarser sand helps avoid this, but then it not look as aesthetically pleasing depending on what you’re going for, in my opinion.
So, while sand adds a classic reef aesthetic, it’s not always worth the hassle in a pico tank unless you’re ready to stay on top of maintenance! If you’d prefer, try creating your reef by going bare bottom.
Sand Depth For Pico Tanks
Let’s break down sand depth in pico tanks because you’ve got options.
Shallow Sand Beds
A shallow sand bed, around 0.5″ to 1.0″, is my go-to for most pico tanks. It’s simple, easy to maintain, and doesn’t take up precious space in your tiny setup. Plus, less sand means less chance of detritus building up and causing water quality issues.
If you’re new to reefing, shallow beds are a safe bet. They’re stable and make positioning rockwork easier without the risk of things shifting over time.
Deep Sand Beds (DSBs)
Now, deep sand beds (over 3″) are another story. They can create a natural filtration system by supporting anaerobic bacteria that help with long-term nitrate reduction. DSBs also encourage diverse microfauna like pods and worms, which is super cool to watch.
Brandon429’s famous pico reef uses this method successfully, but honestly? I’d only recommend this for experienced reefers because it can cause devastating problems if not maintained properly.
Ultimately, your choice depends on what you want from your tank. Shallower beds keep things sleek and modern, while deeper ones lean into functionality and biodiversity.
Sand Selection
Choosing the right sand for your pico reef or reef jar is more important than you might think. It’s not just about looks, it affects maintenance and tank health too.
Grain Size
Finer sand has a smooth, natural look that you’d love to step your feet into at the beach. But it can be tricky in small tanks because it stirs up easily and white sand can look dirty faster when detritus builds or diatoms grow on it.
If you’re like me and don’t love constant cleaning, coarser sand might be a better choice. It stays put and is easier to maintain, though it doesn’t have that soft, beachy vibe.
Brands I’ve Used
I’ve had good experiences with brands like CaribSea, AquaNatural, and Seachem. They offer high-quality sands that are safe for saltwater tanks. The smallest standard bag size you’ll find is usually a 5lb bag, way more than you need for a pico setup!
You can store your extra sand in an airtight container or share it with fellow hobbyists. You could even sell leftovers locally to recoup costs, but it might be more hassle than it’s worth with such a small amount.
I opt for live sand versions since they contain bacteria to help kickstart your reef, but it’s not essential. It will usually come wet inside the bag, or a packet will be included for you to mix in when you’re ready.
Take your time picking the right sand, it’s worth getting this detail right from the start.
Using Used Sand
Reusing sand from an established tank can be a mixed bag. Literally.
On the plus side, it’s packed with life, think bacteria, microfauna, and maybe even some tiny worms or pods. If you’re setting up a deep sand bed in your pico reef or jar, this biodiversity can help kickstart the ecosystem. It’s like giving your tank a head start on stability.
But here’s the catch: used sand can also bring unwanted hitchhikers or excess nutrients. That gunk you see when you stir up old sand? It’s often detritus that can fuel algae blooms or cause water quality issues if not handled properly.
This might lead to more headaches than it’s worth. Personally, I’d recommend starting fresh if you’re new to reef-keeping. It’s one less variable to worry about while learning the ropes!
If you do decide to use old sand, rinse it thoroughly in premixed saltwater to remove as much debris as possible without killing off all the good stuff. And keep an eye on your parameters for any spikes after adding it to your system.
Maintenance Tips
Keeping a pico reef or reef jar healthy requires regular maintenance, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
For day-to-day cleaning, a turkey baster or pipette is your best friend. These tools are perfect for gently removing debris from the sand bed without disturbing your tank too much. Just aim and suck up any detritus or uneaten food you see sitting on the sand.
I’ll touch on “The Forceful Pouring Method” because I think it’s quite important to do. This method sounds dramatic, but it works wonders for deeper cleaning. During a water change, you pour water into the tank with enough force to stir up the sand bed and dislodge trapped waste.
For weekly maintenance, after I’ve drained my reef jar, I like to pour around 2 gallons of fresh saltwater during a water change to lightly clean the sand and refresh the system. Drain it, and top up with fresh saltwater. So, in total, I use about 3 gallons of water once a week.
For a deep clean, I use about 5 gallons of water to really flush out built-up detritus from the sand forcefully, and I limit that to once a year maximum.
A word of caution: this technique will disturb corals and cause sand displacement, so use it carefully. Brandon429 popularized this method in his vase reef, and I’ve seen firsthand how effective it can be when done right.
Small, consistent maintenance keeps things running smoothly. It’s much easier to prevent problems than fix them later in these tiny systems. A little effort each week goes a long way toward keeping your pico reef thriving!
