switching to pool filter sand

[o.jonathan.o]

Originally Posted by mikeybabs

Yes your placo will do much better in the 55 and the sand only helps cuz he can go along the bottom and skim the surface and eat the food along the bottom. As far as adding too much sand.. Well I'm not am expert but I believe you don't want to add too little or too much. Too much can create gas pockets I think and too little doesn't let you bury decorations or root plants. But I never looked into it too deep. Good move on getting a 55

Thanks and I will look into it and first I'm getting a 30g then the 55g and after I save $2300.00 I'm getting this super nice 175 g bow front

[courtneythore]

What is the advantage of using pool filter sand?

[o.jonathan.o]

Originally Posted by courtneythore

What is the advantage of using pool filter sand?

To be honest I don't really know. Maybe someone will jump in and help but I think its nicer than gravel and so far my water is way more clean and also I think my fish are way more happy now. They actually swim around and play with it. I strongly recommend it just for the fish

And also its better for planted tanks like mine here is a pic

[o.jonathan.o]

Pic didn't post here it is

[Togliat]

Very nice! I was hoping to go to either PFS or a finer grain gravel for many of the same reasons. (still researching, tank not yet purchased). It looks nice, does not hide uneaten food, etc. However, I have read that sand is not necessarily better for plants than gravel...something about too tight for roots. I have no idea if this is true. Also, I have read that sand can get into your HOB filters and damage impellers, etc.

Does anyone have experience with either of these (or other) effects for those of us wanting to use sand as a substrate? Thanks.

[o.jonathan.o]

First I would like to say thank. 2nd since I put my plants in sand the roots have grown so long they connected to each other. Those are before pics when I had them in my 10g now they are in a 40g and here r more pics.

Pfs is the way to go

[o.jonathan.o]

Originally Posted by Togliat

Very nice! I was hoping to go to either PFS or a finer grain gravel for many of the same reasons. (still researching, tank not yet purchased). It looks nice, does not hide uneaten food, etc. However, I have read that sand is not necessarily better for plants than gravel...something about too tight for roots. I have no idea if this is true. Also, I have read that sand can get into your HOB filters and damage impellers, etc.

Does anyone have experience with either of these (or other) effects for those of us wanting to use sand as a substrate? Thanks.

Also the pfs is really heavy so it stays at the bottom and just keep your intake a couple inches off the sand and it will be fine

[Togliat]

Does any particular brand of PFS work better than another?
What about washing it? Do it until the bucket runs clear, I suppose?

[o.jonathan.o]

Originally Posted by Togliat

Does any particular brand of PFS work better than another?
What about washing it? Do it until the bucket runs clear, I suppose?

I used the only brand that I know makes it (quickerete) and yes rinse it very very well. Do small amounts at a time

[o.jonathan.o]

They sell it at home depot. 50 lbs. for $6.00