If you're unsure whether to use sand or substrate in your aquarium, consider this: systems with a sand bed tend to cycle more efficiently and maintain better long-term stability due to the increased surface area for beneficial bacteria. This natural biological filtration is essential for supporting a healthy, balanced aquatic environment—whether you're running a freshwater planted tank or a marine reef system.

For most reef aquariums, we recommend a substrate depth of around 1–2 inches. This strikes a good balance between supporting the biofilter, maintaining a clean, natural look, and making it easier to manage detritus buildup during routine maintenance. In freshwater tanks, particularly planted aquariums, substrate depth may vary depending on plant species and root requirements.

Deeper sand beds—up to 6 inches or more—should only be used when necessary, such as when housing specific livestock that rely on burrowing or sand-sifting behaviour. Marine species like wrasses, gobies, jawfish, garden eels, and sand-sifting sea stars may require deeper beds for health and comfort. As always, research the care needs of your chosen livestock to determine the right substrate depth for your setup.

Regular upkeep is important. Lightly siphon your sand or substrate bed each week to remove accumulated debris and prevent nutrient spikes. In larger aquariums, it’s often best to clean just a portion (around 25%) of the substrate each week to avoid disturbing the overall biological balance.