ATI Aquaristik has recently released their new Fiji White Sand onto the European market, and it’s not the typical calcium carbonate substrate found filling most saltwater aquaria in the hobby these days. Instead, this high purity sand is composed of 99.6% pure calcium and magnesium, and is said to be one of the cleanest substrates on the market today. In addition to being clean, the sand’s bright white coloration is also very reflective, bouncing diffuse light back up into the water column and providing more illumination to your corals. The reflected light will not be intense by any means, but it will undoubtedly provide more light energy to the undersides of corals, which often lose coloration as the branches above become more densely packed. The third major selling point to the Fiji White Sand is the density of each grain. While coming in at the small grain size of 0.3 to 1.2 mm, ATI touts that the sand is heavy and won’t get blown around in high current water flow. Larger grain aragonite is not a great choice for aquariums since they tend to trap detritus, so it’s nice to see a fine grain with a little weight behind it that won’t turn into a sandstorm when we fire up the powerheads.
Like we mentioned above, this sand is only available in Europe, though we do expect a US debut eventually. The retail price is set at 18.00 € per bag, which is just a shade under $25. For more information, please see Advanced Aquarist or keep reading below for a translated product description from ATI.
Translated from ATI Aquaristik:
The Fiji White sand is characterized by many positive features:
First Highest purity:
Our sand is 99.6% pure calcium and magnesium compounds, making it one sen cleanest materials that you get on the market today.Second White and very high reflectance properties:
Due to the high purity of the sand is particularly white. This is for the total brightness of the aquarium is very advantageous. Corals get so similar in nature, a higher proportion of reflections off the floor, which is very beneficial for corals. The Fiji White sand is ideal for light-hungry corals with Aqaurien because these stations will also receive a higher proportion of diffuse radiation from below.Third no extreme drifts more:
Because of its higher density than comparable Aragonitsand of Fiji White sand is much harder and better around it remains current.
Application:
We recommend a layer of approximately 2cm. DSB at least 8-10cm.
Due to the small grain size of sand is good for an accumulation of fluid in the substrate Detrius avoided.The sand should be washed before use in the aquarium several times well. The existing dust content, which is always produced by friction during transportation etc. should be washed out as far as possible. To do this, rinse the sand as long as no more until the water milky / white and is mostly clear.
