1. What is Live Sand?

Live sand is a substrate for saltwater aquariums and pools that contains beneficial bacteria and microorganisms essential for maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Surface area of your pool or aquarium (m²)
• \( Depth \) — Desired sand depth (m)
• 1600 — Standard density of live sand (kg/m³)

Explanation: The calculation first determines the volume needed, then converts this to weight using the standard density of live sand.

3. Importance of Proper Sand Calculation

Details: Accurate sand calculation ensures proper biological filtration, prevents waste buildup, and maintains appropriate water chemistry in saltwater environments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your pool or aquarium area accurately in square meters. Typical sand depth ranges from 2-5 cm (0.02-0.05 m) for most applications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the density fixed at 1600 kg/m³?
A: This is the standard density for most live sand products used in marine environments.

Q2: How deep should live sand be?
A: Typically 2-5 cm (0.02-0.05 m) is sufficient for biological filtration. Deeper beds may require special maintenance.

Q3: Can I use this for freshwater aquariums?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for saltwater live sand which has different properties than freshwater substrates.

Q4: Should I add extra sand for settling?
A: It's recommended to calculate about 10% more than your measured volume to account for settling and compaction.

Q5: How often should live sand be replaced?
A: Properly maintained live sand rarely needs complete replacement, but partial changes may be needed annually.