1. What is the Aquarium Sandbed Calculator?

The Aquarium Sandbed Calculator estimates the weight of sand needed for an aquarium based on tank dimensions and sand density. It helps aquarists plan their substrate requirements accurately.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sand weight formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Length of aquarium (meters)
• \( W \) — Width of aquarium (meters)
• \( D \) — Desired sand depth (meters)
• \( density \) — Sand density (kg/m³)

Explanation: The formula calculates the volume (L×W×D) and multiplies by density to get weight. Typical sand density is about 1600 kg/m³.

3. Importance of Sandbed Calculation

Details: Proper sandbed calculation ensures you purchase the right amount of substrate, prevents overloading tank supports, and helps maintain proper biological filtration.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your aquarium dimensions accurately in meters. For depth, consider the desired sandbed thickness (typically 5-10cm for reef tanks). Default density is set to 1600 kg/m³ for typical aquarium sand.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical sand density for aquariums?
A: Most aquarium sands have a density between 1500-1700 kg/m³. The default 1600 kg/m³ is a good average.

Q2: How deep should my sandbed be?
A: For reef tanks: 5-7.5cm is common. For deep sand beds: 10-15cm. Freshwater tanks vary by species needs.

Q3: Should I account for sand settling?
A: Yes, sand will compact over time. Add 10-15% extra to your calculation to account for settling.

Q4: Can I use this for different substrate types?
A: Yes, but adjust the density parameter accordingly (gravel is typically less dense than sand).

Q5: How do I convert the result to pounds?
A: Multiply kg result by 2.205 to get pounds. 1 kg ≈ 2.205 lbs.