Substrate to fill 180 gallon

[clancaster23]

I'm getting close to the point where I fill up my 180 gallon. I'm wondering about the substrate. I want to go sand and at the same time be economical about it. I'd like a deeper bed, maybe 4"-5". I was thinking I could fill about 3" with well-rinsed play sand then the top couple inches with something that's meant for a reef like oolite aragonite. Is this doable? I'd like fine sand so future gobies and such can make a home and do what they do. Also curious about black sand. I've never tried it but think it may look nice and be something different. How to fill a tank this large and still keep the cost down?

 

[emmett0122]

any sand you use must be silica free and you dont want really fine sad or your powerheads will blow it around and make a sand storm in your tank

 

[ErinCahir]

+1 @emmett0122 . You need to use aragonite sand. Play sand just doesn't cut it.

 

[Aquarian]

+1 Erin

 

[mariobrothersleeve]

+ 1 @ Aquarian .

 

[ErinCahir]

+1 to ALL of us!