1. What is Live Sand Calculation?

The live sand calculation determines the volume of live sand needed for a saltwater aquarium based on the tank's area and desired sand bed depth. Live sand contains beneficial bacteria and microorganisms essential for marine ecosystems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following equation:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Tank bottom area in square feet
• \( Depth \) — Desired sand depth in feet (typically 0.083–0.5 ft)
• \( 7.48 \) — Conversion factor (gallons per cubic foot)

Explanation: The equation calculates the cubic volume of sand needed and converts it from cubic feet to gallons.

3. Importance of Proper Sand Volume

Details: Proper sand volume is crucial for biological filtration, aesthetic appeal, and providing habitat for sand-dwelling organisms in marine aquariums.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your tank's bottom area in square feet (length × width). Typical sand depths range from 1-6 inches (0.083-0.5 feet). Deeper beds are for specialized setups.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the recommended sand depth?
A: For most reef tanks, 1-2 inches (0.083-0.167 ft) is sufficient. Deeper beds (3-6 inches) are used for specialized filtration.

Q2: How do I convert tank dimensions to area?
A: Multiply length by width (in feet). For example, a 48" × 18" tank is 4 ft × 1.5 ft = 6 ft².

Q3: Does this account for sand settling?
A: No, you may want to add 10-15% extra to account for compaction over time.

Q4: Can I use this for freshwater aquariums?
A: The calculation works, but freshwater typically uses different substrates with different density.

Q5: How often should I replace live sand?
A: Never fully replace - just replenish what's lost during maintenance to preserve beneficial bacteria.