
Red Sea Reef Base is a premium, natural aragonite substrate that promotes stable pH and alkalinity in marine and reef aquariums.
Truly renewable pure calcium carbonate aragonite sand material formed naturally through precipitation and sedimentation in the Bahamas.
Truly renewable pure calcium carbonate oolitic aragonite sand material formed naturally through precipitation and sedimentation in the Bahamas.
Type: oolitic aragonite — pure calcium carbonate, formed by natural precipitation and sedimentation
Source: the Bahamas, from a renewable deposit
Preparation: exposed to air and UV light, screened, and mechanically washed; a second wash gives a cleaner substrate
Effect on water: helps hold a stable pH of 8.2–8.3 and supports alkalinity stability
Suitable for: all marine fish and corals
This pack: 10 kg, dry — not the Live Reef Base variant, which is the one Red Sea supply pre-seeded with bacteria
Red Sea do not publish a grain-size figure for this substrate on their product page, so none is stated here. If the grain size matters for your build — for a sand-sifting goby, or a deep sand bed — ask us and we will confirm it from the pack before you order.
It comes washed twice, but rinse it anyway in saltwater or RO before it goes in. Any aragonite carries fines, and the fines are what cloud a tank for days.
Put the sand in the empty tank first, then add the water onto a plate or a bag laid on the sand so the flow does not dig a crater. Expect a short milky phase whatever you do; it clears as the filtration catches up.
Choose a depth deliberately rather than by eye. A shallow bed of an inch or so is easy to keep clean and is what most reef tanks run. A deep bed of four inches or more is a different system — it works anaerobically and it is not something to build halfway.
This is dry aragonite, so it brings no bacteria with it. On a new tank it needs to be matured, which is what the Reef Mature programme is for.
Every batch we dispatch carries a minimum of 6 months’ remaining shelf life. Store this product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap or inner foil closed tightly after each use.
Filter media and substrates carry no manufacturing or expiry date — their working life begins on first contact with water, not on the shelf.
Returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery, provided the item is unused and in its original packaging. Manufacturer-sealed items cannot be returned once the seal is broken, and sale-priced items are not refundable.
If your item arrives defective or damaged, message us on WhatsApp with your order number, or email us if you would rather, and we will replace it. Approved replacements are delivered within 3 to 5 business days. Transit damage is covered by insurance on every shipment. If tracking shows delivered but nothing reached you, tell us within 72 hours, which is the reporting window Indian couriers allow. Damage caused during installation or use is not covered; replacement spares for such cases are chargeable.
Full terms are on our Cancellation & Returns page.
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