Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Carib Sea Aquarium Sand

1. CaribSea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Fiji Pink Sand

User Ratings: 86 3

Carib Sea 792 First Impressions

"This sand looks great!"

You'll be shocked at the fine particles that come out! The point is, discus and rams do not appreciate getting buffeted. It is beautiful and I'm thrilled with my purchase! It's easy to clean and I didn't have an issue to floating particles. For a Flounder tank, well, we will just have to see when they get here. But that is also something to consider with all sands. The filter doesn't agitate the sand either.

  • CaribSea Arag-Alive 20-Pound Fiji Pink Sand
  • Functional and beautiful aragonite substrate for all types of marine aquariums
  • Contains millions of beneficial marine bacteria to enhance biological filtration
  • Many styles to help recreate any marine environment
  • Manufacture: Carib Sea
  • Item Weight: 20 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 2 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 792
  • Quality [star rating='4.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.2']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

Carib Sea 792 Final Thoughts

"Incredibly fine and soft."

They keep the surface of my sand looking pretty and white. That is why I chose the Hydor Koralia Nano 240. When adding water, no dust, no mess. My beautiful sand turned a very dark brown. I was nervous about converting my freshwater tank substrate from gravel to sand. Within the bag, you will find two small packets. They keep the surface of my sand looking pretty and white.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(754 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Carib Sea Aquarium Sand

2. Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound

User Ratings: 75 3

Carib Sea 008479058409 First Impressions

"Love it, great product."

A bit more floated to the top, skimmed it off. But like everything else, you have to make choices and compromises. Just be smarter than me about it and you'll be very happy with the product. There is a black sand from the same manufacturer called Tahitian Moon. Some will leave the tank when you get rid of unwanted plants too. But I have to give it to this sand. My mystery snails and Malaysian trumpets love it too!

  • Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
  • Create a supernatural experience by re-creating the natural world in your home
  • grain size reduces built up detritus
  • ph neutral ; safe for all aquariums
  • no paints or dyes used
  • made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479058409
  • Quality [star rating='3.5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.6']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Carib Sea 008479058409 Final Thoughts

"Plants love it!"

One bag was enough to cover my standard 10 gallon tank. But I have to give it to this sand. The other comes packed pre-cultured with nitrifying bacteria. This sand is almost exactly like the beach in Destin, FL. 10 weeks in and I have four tanks going. There are two versions of the Crystal River Sand from Caribsea. This sand is nice and heavy, and has a nice shine to it.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(725 Points)

3. Carib Sea ACS05820 Super Natural Moonlight Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound

User Ratings: 75 4

Carib Sea 008479058201 First Impressions

"This sand is very fine."

If I remember correctly, it's normal for new sand to do this. Doing that it should be clean enough to put in your tank and not cloud up your water. I bought the Sunset Gold color and it is a beautiful sand. I love this substrate, I use it for my betta& goldfish tanks and it looks great. Used to have a dark substrate but decided to change to this. If you have bright lights, algae will grow on this sand. There are two versions of the Crystal River Sand from Caribsea.

  • Carib Sea ACS05820 Super Natural Moonlight Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
  • natural white creates great color contrasts
  • ph neutral ; used in salt and freshwater aquariums
  • no dyes or paints used
  • made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479058201
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.6']

Carib Sea 008479058201 Final Thoughts

"This sand looks great!"

And it is not recommended that you rinse it out. If you are starting a new tank, this is the one that I would recommend. Really nice appearance in the tank, looks very authentic. I'm setting up another tank and this will be the substrate. Some will leave the tank when you get rid of unwanted plants too. Bought this 50lbs bag for my 55g freshwater aquarium, boy is the white sand nice! I bought it primarily because I purchased five assassin snails and the love sand.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(577 Points)

4. Carib Sea ACS05832 Super Natural Peace River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound

User Ratings: 83 2

Carib Sea 008479058324 First Impressions

"Fantastic sand."

The bag is small, but the quality of sand is good. The soft sand makes it easy to place plants without damaging them. 10 weeks in and I have four tanks going. Kind of sharp sand, not the soft smooth kind. It's easy to clean and I didn't have an issue to floating particles. This is the ideal size, in my opinion, for most situations. We used regular tap water and water from our main tank.

  • Carib Sea ACS05832 Super Natural Peace River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
  • Grain size reduces built up detritus
  • May Also Be Used In Marine Or African Cichlid Aquariums
  • Ideal for most freshwater aquaria, including discus, tetras, angelfish, water turtles, rays, plants, cichlids and more
  • Re-create natural river environments
  • Made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479058324
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Carib Sea 008479058324 Final Thoughts

"Like a dog."

I thought it was soap, but it's not. The sand looks more natural and clean. Perfect sand, I didn't bother rinsing or cleaning it like the directions said. Kind of sharp sand, not the soft smooth kind. The bag is small, but the quality of sand is good. Then swirled and dumped what didn't sink immediately. I bought it primarily because I purchased five assassin snails and the love sand.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(467 Points)

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Carib Sea Aquarium Sand

5. Carib Sea Ocean Direct Substrates

User Ratings: 75 3

Carib Sea 00940 First Impressions

"Really happy with it."

If it clears up I'll try to remember to do an update review. Dumped sand in bucket and let water overflow get rid of the floating stuff. There are two versions of the Crystal River Sand from Caribsea. I used this sand in my 30gallon and put it into a 6. Like I said earlier, it's like beach sand. A bit more floated to the top, skimmed it off. It looks great and it's super quality.

  • Carib Sea Ocean Direct Substrates
  • This method preserves real live sand with its own original, natural bacteria
  • Package Weight: 18.37 kilograms
  • Age range description: all stages
  • Package Dimensions : 11.43 L x 50.8 H x 35.56 W (centimeters)
  • Manufacture: Caribsea
  • Product Dimensions: 4.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches; 4.3 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 00940
  • Quality [star rating='5']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.5']

Carib Sea 00940 Final Thoughts

"Make sure you rinse it."

It's what I did with the sand I had left over that I'm using in my smaller tank. There are two versions of the Crystal River Sand from Caribsea. I still love it and maybe will return to it someday after my aquarium is settled in. Come to find out the sand is somewhat dirty. If you are slack on maintenance, pick a darker sand. Dumped sand in bucket and let water overflow get rid of the floating stuff. 2 weeks later and my tank is still a little cloudy.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(424 Points)

6. Carib Sea ACS05839 Super Natural Sunset Gold Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound

User Ratings: 72 3

Carib Sea 008479058393 First Impressions

"So soft, so beautiful."

Clear water, no chemical issues and makes the tank look sparkling clean. This is a nice color of sand and looks good under the light. I used this sand in my 30gallon and put it into a 6. I'm setting up another tank and this will be the substrate. I'm setting up another tank and this will be the substrate. You'll be shocked at the fine particles that come out! No need to rinse before putting in aquarium.

  • Carib Sea ACS05839 Super Natural Sunset Gold Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
  • re-create natural looking eco-systems
  • soft sand that's perfect for soft belly fish and turtles
  • ph neutral ; safe for all aquariums
  • no dyes or paints used
  • made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479058393
  • Quality [star rating='4.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Carib Sea 008479058393 Final Thoughts

"Arrived well."

It helps eliminate deadly ammonia spikes. I will need 3 more bags if I want a thicker 1 inch layer to fill my entire tank. Take my advice, which I got from someone else, and buy a mini gravel vacuum. But that is also something to consider with all sands. Use the strongest, most focused nozzle you have. I'm probably only going to use this brand from now on. But that is also something to consider with all sands.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(228 Points)

7. Carib Sea ACS00223 African Ivory Coast Sand for Aquarium, 20-Pound

User Ratings: 77 7

Carib Sea 008479002235 First Impressions

"I hope it goes away soon."

I put the 5 pounds of sand straight into an empty 5 gallon tank. Plant tanks require high light levels. Cleaning it was easy and I just followed the directions on the bag. There are two versions of the Crystal River Sand from Caribsea. No need to rinse before putting in aquarium. You probably need more if you are planning on planting live plants. I'm probably only going to use this brand from now on.

  • Carib Sea ACS00223 African Ivory Coast Sand for Aquarium, 20-Pound
  • Keeps water crystal clear
  • A superior natural buffer
  • Provides an excellent substrate
  • Conditions water naturally
  • Made in the usa
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Item Weight: 1 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479002235
  • Quality [star rating='4.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='4']

Carib Sea 008479002235 Final Thoughts

"So far so good."

Bought this 50lbs bag for my 55g freshwater aquarium, boy is the white sand nice! I found that red cherry shrimp adore diatoms. I'm setting up another tank and this will be the substrate. I did lots of research on the subject and decided to make the leap. I toss the cloudy water into the streets instead. Doing that it should be clean enough to put in your tank and not cloud up your water. Was frustrating but nobody's fault but mine.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(200 Points)

8. Carib Sea ACS00905 Ocean Direct Natural Live Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound

User Ratings: 80 2

Carib Sea 008479009050 First Impressions

"Very good product."

The sand causes bubbles to remain on top of the water too. This is the ideal size, in my opinion, for most situations. Some will leave the tank when you get rid of unwanted plants too. This sand is nice and heavy, and has a nice shine to it. It looks really pretty and natural. Was frustrating but nobody's fault but mine. I have yet to do a water change, but I do not anticipate any problems.

  • Carib Sea ACS00905 Ocean Direct Natural Live Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound
  • 100% aragonite supports proper ph
  • This method preserves real live sand with its own original, natural bacteria
  • re-create natural reef environments
  • more beneficial bacteria than any other product on the market
  • made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479009050
  • Quality [star rating='4.2']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.9']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Carib Sea 008479009050 Final Thoughts

"Love love love love love!"

I put the 5 pounds of sand straight into an empty 5 gallon tank. All three are inert; therefore, they do not affect ph. For a Flounder tank, well, we will just have to see when they get here. Really nice appearance in the tank, looks very authentic. There is a black sand from the same manufacturer called Tahitian Moon. It looks really pretty and natural. But if you want actual fine sand might not be what your looking for.

Overall Score
4.6

[star rating="4.6"]
(130 Points)

9. Carib Sea ACS05823 Super Natural Torpedo Beach Sand Aquarium, 5-Pounds

User Ratings: 74 5

Carib Sea 008479058232 First Impressions

"One is just the sand."

The filter we used was also established with bacteria from the former tank setup. Doing that it should be clean enough to put in your tank and not cloud up your water. Was frustrating but nobody's fault but mine. The other comes packed pre-cultured with nitrifying bacteria. I bought the Torpedo Beach sand hoping for a pretty white sand and it was. Doing that it should be clean enough to put in your tank and not cloud up your water. A bit beige mixed with white, but the crystals are still very pretty.

  • Carib Sea ACS05823 Super Natural Torpedo Beach Sand Aquarium, 5-Pounds
  • re-create natural ecosystems
  • ph neutral ; great for all aquariums
  • grain size reduces built up detritus
  • no paints or dyes used
  • made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 1 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479058232
  • Quality [star rating='4.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Carib Sea 008479058232 Final Thoughts

"Hope it works out."

You'll be shocked at the fine particles that come out! But like everything else, you have to make choices and compromises. Take my advice, which I got from someone else, and buy a mini gravel vacuum. My Corydoras are having a field day! The bag is small, but the quality of sand is good. The other contains a floculant, to help clear cloudy water. I found that red cherry shrimp adore diatoms.

Overall Score
4.5

[star rating="4.5"]
(125 Points)

10. Carib Sea ACS00050 Aragonite Reef Sand for Aquarium, 40-Pound

User Ratings: 91 3

Carib Sea 008479000507 First Impressions

"HOW TO WASH SAND."

All three are inert; therefore, they do not affect ph. For a Flounder tank, well, we will just have to see when they get here. I purchased this to use on 2 20 gallon aquarium. If you can keep your tank clean, this is perfect for you. Dont force yourself to look at a boring bare bottom tank! The soft sand makes it easy to place plants without damaging them. I rinsed each bag separately and skimmed the small amount that floated to the top.

  • Carib Sea ACS00050 Aragonite Reef Sand for Aquarium, 40-Pound
  • 100% aragonite sand supports stable ph
  • For use in marine aquariums and hard water freshwater aquariums
  • grain size reduces built up detritus
  • re-create natural reef environment
  • made in the USA
  • Manufacture: TopDawg Pet Supply
  • Item Weight: 1 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Carib Sea 008479000507
  • Quality [star rating='4.9']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.8']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

Carib Sea 008479000507 Final Thoughts

"So far so good."

Poured water in, ran the filter for a day. Love the way it looks in my new aquarium. My Corydoras are having a field day! I decided that I'll keep the sand after all. You really can't go wrong buying this sand! A bit beige mixed with white, but the crystals are still very pretty. There are two versions of the Crystal River Sand from Caribsea.

Overall Score
4.8

[star rating="4.8"]
(94 Points)

Copyright © 2024 Rob Aquatics — Primer Child WordPress theme by GoDaddy