Bio Sand 10 kg — White Reef Sand with Nitrifying Bacteria 0.5-1.5 mm and 1-2 mm - Aquaforest

Aquaforest AF Bio Sand is a natural white reef aquarium sand supplied with two bottles of lab-isolated nitrifying bacteria to speed up tank maturation.

According to Aquaforest's product page, Bio Sand comes from high-quality deposits, is free of contaminants, and its calcium carbonate content helps stabilize water chemistry. The two bottles in the box hold nitrifying bacteria strains plus their food, so the nitrogen cycle closes faster than with traditional substrates and livestock can go into a new reef tank sooner. Aquaforest Bio Sand is ready in 24 hours (see Aquaforest's method below).

In this official video, Aquaforest walks through its Kick Start Method for setting up a new marine aquarium step by step. Pair it with the Aquaforest Bio Sand preparation steps below.

Aquaforest Bio Sand 10 kg: two grain sizes

ReefSolution carries Aquaforest Bio Sand in a 10 kg (22 lb) box, in two grain sizes. Aquaforest does not publish a specific use case for each grain: if you're unsure which one fits, send us your tank dimensions and flow setup and we'll help you choose.

How much Aquaforest Bio Sand do I need?

Aquaforest publishes a Bio Sand quantity chart for a 3 cm (1 3/16 in) layer, based on the tank footprint:

How to prepare Aquaforest Bio Sand

1. Rinse the sand in RODI water before use: sand residue from transport is safe, but rinsing prevents cloudy water.
2. Pour the contents of both bottles into 3 liters (0.8 US gal) of saltwater and mix thoroughly.
3. Add the mix to the sand bag and leave it for 24 hours with the bag open, so the bacteria can multiply.
4. Keep the sand around 25-28 °C (77-82 °F), Aquaforest's optimal maturation temperature.
5. After 24 hours, add the sand to the tank gradually, small amounts day by day, while monitoring parameters.

Aquaforest advises against storing Bio Sand somewhere cool, since low temperatures significantly slow bacterial multiplication. The manufacturer also notes that Bio Sand works in new setups and in mature reef tanks as a substrate supplement.

Our advice

"For grain size, it really depends on the pumps people choose. Personally, I prefer the 1-2 mm: that way you can run more flow without the sand blowing all over the place. Then, sand depth depends. It's a matter of preference. Some people like a deep sand bed, some like a shallow one. Personally, I prefer shallow, half an inch, just to cover the bottom, for looks. Otherwise, it's a matter of preference, of how you approach the hobby, of choice. Personally, I generally don't put sand in my own tanks. I find it's a detritus trap."
— Stéphane, Aquariums ReefSolution

Why buy at ReefSolution

ReefSolution is an Aquaforest retailer with a store in Laval, Quebec, shipping across Canada. Aquaforest Bio Sand 10 kg is a heavy item: free shipping does not apply to this product and shipping is charged at carrier rates. To round out your biological start-up:

• Aquaforest Bio S — liquid nitrifying bacteria to support the nitrogen cycle.
• Aquaforest Life Bio Fil — biological media for the filtration compartment.
• Aquaforest AF Nano Rock 3.5 kg — porous rock for aquascaping smaller tanks.

Frequently asked questions

Do you rinse Aquaforest Bio Sand?

Yes. Aquaforest strongly advises rinsing Bio Sand in RODI water before use to avoid cloudy water. The bacteria are added after rinsing, from the two included bottles.

Can Aquaforest Bio Sand be used in an established tank?

Yes. Aquaforest states that Bio Sand also works in mature aquariums as a substrate supplement.

How long does Aquaforest Bio Sand take to prepare?

24 hours. The two bottles mixed into 3 liters of saltwater sit with the sand, bag open, ideally at 25-28 °C (77-82 °F), before the sand is added gradually to the tank.