Sand questions

[josh7]

I really don't wanna but the expensive Tahitian moon sand again to replace the gravel in my 55 gallon.

So what do you guys reccomend the only cheap sands around are play sand for like a sandbox and black sillica blasting sand. Which do you guys think is better for a aquarium?

 

[bud29]

both would work - if you're going for the look of black, the blasting sand would probably be the way to go. IME, it can be hard to anchor plants in playsand, and it is very easily kicked up. It is cheap, but wouldn't be my first choice for future tanks.

 

[josh7]

So your votes for blasting sand then and is it safe then for digging fish like cichlids and catfish it's fine right?

 

[bud29]

the playsand would be easier on the digging fish, however I would think that the blasting sand would be better than gravel.

 

[josh7]

Alright then how easy can the stuff get kicked up though because I don't want my filters getting ruined because of it.

 

[jlk]

Pool filter sand is another inexpensive option. It's heavier grain than playsand and will not get sucked into filters. You can even gravel vac it if you have a large siphon tube. Runs @$10 for a 50lb bag which is sufficient for a 55g tank unless you are seeking a very deep substrate.

 

[Angel_fish]

Alright then how easy can the stuff get kicked up though because I don't want my filters getting ruined because of it.

Playsand is pretty easy to keep it out of filter. Just toss it in add water and do a few water changes while its all kicked up. Dont run the filter or bubbles till it comes out clear. Some might get kicked up over time, but not enough to damage filter...

Keep an eye out for malaysian trumpet snails. They'll keep the sand turned so to release toxins that build up, but they wont eat plants.

 

[josh7]

Alright thanks for the input guys I think im going to go with the play sand.

 

[jlk]

Make sure you rinse the sand extensively before adding it to your tank. When you think you have rinsed it enough, rinse it a few more times for good measure. It will help to limit clouding and settling issues.

 

[bud29]

Playsand is pretty easy to keep it out of filter. Just toss it in add water and do a few water changes while its all kicked up. Dont run the filter or bubbles till it comes out clear. Some might get kicked up over time, but not enough to damage filter...

Keep an eye out for malaysian trumpet snails. They'll keep the sand turned so to release toxins that build up, but they wont eat plants.

....All it took was one dig by my dojo loach to kick up a small amount of play sand and ruin my filter impeller =.= It's easy to kick up, and due to the fine grain it takes longer to settle than other sands.

Also, for the record, the "poisonous gas pocket developing in the sand" thing is way overblown. Especially if you have plants, the roots will stir up the sand enough - no need for MTS.

 

[Alyxx]

I use the black blasting grit in all of my tanks and I love it. It doesn't really get kicked up, even when my bn plecos get to goofing around in the sand.

 

[Scoot35]

Where do you get the black blasting sand I've play sand and it seems like its always floating around

 

[Alyxx]

I got mine at tractor supply co. I'm sure you could find some at Home Depot, lowes, or other places like that too. It's really cheap, I got a 50 lb bag of it for under $10 and that was more than enough to do my 56 gallon, a 5 gallon, and to add to the sand bed in my 30 gallon. I still have about half the bag. You just have to be sure to rinse it really well, because it is really really dusty.

 

[Scoot35]

I have a 125 how much would I need for that

 

[clearancepuppy]

I got four 50 lb bags for my 150 and it gave me approx 3"-4" depth. Playsand from Lowes was on sale end of season $5 a bag.

Plan on setting aside an entire night to rinse it all. I used clean giant clear Rubbermaid rectangular storage containers to rinse it in. It takes several times and it will still take some time to settle but to me it was priceless when my now 8" bichir discovered playing in it like a puppy in its first snowfall.

 

[Scoot35]

I have playsand already but not real happy with it thinking about trying the black sand though

 

[Bigfish99]

If you like the natural look i strongly reccommend pool filter sand!

 

[phishfriend]

Hey I just put the black diamond in my 75 and really like it. I put 100lb in mine. Cost 18 bucks. Here are some pic so you can see it in the tank.

 

[Scoot35]

Phishfriend what are you using for a top on your aquarium oh and the black sand looks really good

 

[phishfriend]

Phishfriend what are you using for a top on your aquarium oh and the black sand looks really good

LOL! a metal shelf. It's temporary. I didn't have lids when I moved everything from my 40 to this tank but needed something to support the lights until I got lids cut.

I'v had clear acrylic lids cut for it. Just haven't had a chance to go pick them up!