I don't know what kind of sandbed it needs.  Mine used to have a lot of brown algae.  That is why it grew so quick.  That algae is now gone because even the Bicolor Blenny eats it.  As to price I have no idea.  It cost me $20.00 because the shipping was only shared by two people.  And since it has tripled in size it should worth three times as much, right 
  
  However, I still need Green Zoos. 
