Playground Sand

[twestacott]

Just wondering if anyone has used generic playground sand like the stuff you buy at Home Depot as a substrate for the bottom of a cichlid tank? I am looking for an alternative to the expensive aroganite and sand sold at the lfs.

 

[phoenixkiller]

It has been done, but play sand is dirty, ugly, and messes around too much with the pH for my taste...

 

[twestacott]

What would you recommend? Or is the sand from the lfs the best option?

 

[boadams87]

You can use pool filter sand. I use the black diamond blasting sand. I guess it depends on what color you want.

 

[mrbee2828]

Don't use it. Most of it is power fine and will be a huge mess when moving things around or cleaning. Use pool filter sand. Your limitation is just going to be color with it. Or use the diamond blasting sand mentioned for a dark color.

Pool filter sand will usually come in white or a light tan. You hardly have to rinse it before putting it in the tank because it's already clean for its intended purpose in the pool. You'll have a diatom breakout a few weeks in without a doubt as it (and play sand) will have more silica in it. It will be ugly but just wait it out. I used it for my FW and SW tanks. At $7-$9 a bag it's worth the money and a huge savings.

 

[phoenixkiller]

I am thinking about getting some pool filter sand myself! How much would 50 pounds of sand cost near you?

 

[mrbee2828]

I live in VB, VA. At the local pool supply place I paid $9 for a 50# bag of white for the SW build. I paid $8 for a 50# bag of tan at Taylor's Do It center here for the FW build.

 

[phoenixkiller]

Does it mess with the pH a lot? Or is it pretty stable?

 

[mrbee2828]

I honestly don't have a good answer for you. I can tell you that it didnt seem to help raise mine for the cichlids. I add buffer to my water and added crushed coral as well to the sump.

 

[phoenixkiller]

Ok, that's what I wanted to know. Thanks!