Saltwater aquarium sand fineness? does it matter?

Question

I'm setting up my first salt water aquarium and was looking at bags of live sand.

This in particular http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+10741+16764&pcatid=16764

I was wondering if the size of the sand grains matter? i think the finer sand would look better but I'm wondering if the smaller or larger grains would be better for the nitrification factor of the bacteria?

Larger seems like it would mean the sand would be more porous letting more water in?

But the finer grains means more surface area which might mean more bacteria?

Answer 1

the bigger the grain the harder it is to keep clean, food and waste fall between the grains, and number 2 if you get the larger grain like the crushed coral, you can't have sand sifters like if you wanted to get a watchman goby or a sand sifting star...I say stick with the regular grain sand, you will be happier in the end.  

Answer 2

the finer the grain the less material will be trapped by it

i also think it looks better

that's why i recommend oolitic sand to those who can find it, and fine aragonite to those who can't

as far as denitrification, it depends what you want to do..

a deep sand bed filter?

a plenum?

just cover the bottom?