Spectra Quartz Sand Review

[Terrance]

This is the sand that I've been using over the last year. So far, I bought red, black, and peach colored sand. They also have different substrate size. I would like to show you why I prefer this sand over other types of sand (maybe I'd use aragonite sand for saltwater tanks).

This is what the tank looks like before I added the sand (yes I almost forgot to post about the Spectra sand):
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t462/TerrancePuffer/Spectra Sand/IMG_0576.jpg

This is me adding sand:
Spectra Quartz Sand - YouTube

Some sand float at the surface:
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t462/TerrancePuffer/Spectra Sand/IMG_0580.jpg
Some sand form into a ball at the bottom:
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t462/TerrancePuffer/Spectra Sand/IMG_0579.jpg
Overview of tank:
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t462/TerrancePuffer/Spectra Sand/IMG_0577.jpg


Eventually all the sand will settle, the balls will break apart, and everything floating will sink in 1-2 days. Best of all, you could see that I just poured the sand from the manufacturer's bag into the tank. No rinsing required and no clouding at all. If you have ever rinsed other types of sand, then you know how time consuming it can be. PITA IMO and not worth my time.

When I siphon with an Aqueon water changer, I do not hover over the sand. I siphon directly into the sand (stirring to prevent any theoretical gas pockets). I only lose a pinch of sand.

Spectra come in 50lb bags and cost ~$25 in my area. This sand is especially useful in large tanks. The common pool filter sand only cost $5-$10. Its up to you if its worth it.

I am not certain if this sand will be good for a planted tank since I do not use plants in my tanks.

SpectraQuartz® Colored Aggregate - high purity quartz, silica, UV Resistant - if you are interested, then you can contact the company and ask for the closest supplier to your area.

This little sample pallet is what the supplier gave me to take home (free):
http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t462/TerrancePuffer/Spectra Sand/IMG_3508.jpg

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t462/TerrancePuffer/Spectra Sand/IMG_3506.jpg

 

[leek86]

Images dont work

 

[Terrance]

The bottom two pics did not work for me, but I think I fixed them. The rest of them works for me.

 

[HUKIT]

Images dont work

Still don't work.

 

[Terrance]

Ok i just switched everything to the link pictures. Are we good now?

 

[leek86]

Nope, links take me to photobucket but says "page not found"

 

[Terrance]

OK it should be fine now. Please tell me its ok.

 

[leek86]

Bingo all links now working

 

[DavidAl]

Hi Terrance,

I used to have the 3M Color Quartz "S" Grade in my 30-gallon. I did not like it! It developed anaerobic pockets way too often. I should have probably used the "T" grade. Anyway, I don't think 3M makes it anymore. It is/was very similar to the SpectraQuarts so keep a close eye on it.

David

 

[Terrance]

You should not get gas pockets if you siphon into the sand. I do weekly 50% water changes and siphon as much of the sand as possible.

I am not familiar with color quartz. Is it similar to the common pool filter sand, but comes in many colors?

 

[jetajockey]

Colorquartz is a ceramic coated colored sand. I've used it extensively in s and t grade without any anaerobic issues. It doesn't matter what type of sand is used, if its not disturbed and is more than a few inches deep it will form anaerobic areas. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as soil tanks often have these to some extent as well as DSB substrates.

 

[DavidAl]

I am not familiar with color quartz. Is it similar to the common pool filter sand, but comes in many colors?

It's a swimming pool plaster, just like the SpectraQuartz. And yes, it comes in many colors.


Here's a pic...

 

[jlbfish]

Where can you get SpectraQuartz? A search turns up nothing in my area. I think I want to switch from SuperNaturals.

Thanks!

 

[Terrance]

You have to call them and ask for a supplier.