A plateau of sand...

[RandyFolds]

I like my corals on sand much more than on rocks, particularly for branchy SPS species. The reflective nature of the sand allows a lot more light to strike the bottom of the coral, promoting overall healthier growth and more natural colony formation. In addition, most clams seem a hell of a lot happier in sand. So here are my thoughts...

I plan to run this 125g with 2-3" of Fiji Pink sand, maybe mixed with some oolithic sand. Now, the tank is 24" deep, meaning that sand bed is no good for really light hungry stuff. What my plan entails is to form a second deep sand bed in a container to be placed dead center and hidden by rockwork. I am figuring upon using an approximately 8" deep glass casserole dish that tapers towards the bottom. Once filled with sand, it should provide some higher light sand bed, and has the potential to look pretty cool.

Can anyone think of any caveats?

[Bergy]

not sure about imbedding a dish or container, but i guess it should be ok...

Im thinking of building a formation out of rock, and maybe coating/sealing a section in the middle to nold the sand???  of hollowing out a pool/tub shape out of a single rock???

i agree with the light reflection issues, but not sure you are goin g to have the space to actually take advantage of that especially if you actually get a good sized colony in the middle

[RandyFolds]

Im thinking of building a formation out of rock, and maybe coating/sealing a section in the middle to nold the sand???  of hollowing out a pool/tub shape out of a single rock???

i agree with the light reflection issues, but not sure you are goin g to have the space to actually take advantage of that especially if you actually get a good sized colony in the middle

Ideally, I would make the structure out of rock, but I'll be damned if I can think of an easy and inexpensive way of doing it.

As far as the space is concerned, I am thinking more along the lines of dedicating it to some clams and maybe one bitchin' acro or something, so I think my current plan will work if I can hide the container well enough.

The reason I was thinking about the casserole dish is, A - I have it already, B - It is glass so it won't break down or contaminate the tank, and C - It is clear so it will be relatively unobtrusive before it gets covered in coralline.

[Bergy]

yea, glass should work fine, and by the time you mascarade it Im hoping it is big enuf for your intent...

[KYLE.801]

I think it sounds like a way cool idea!