Pool sand as substrate?

[Noviceafter2yea]

Any input on using pool sand as substrate for 20 gallon cycled tank with 0, 0, 15-20, 8.2, 79 Fahrenheit readings? I want to change out my substrate from gravel to sand for my julii (could be false Julii) cories to protect their barbels.

I've read mixed reviews from a google search, but I trust the input here more.

Also, will the change upset the other fish? I've read using black looks cool, but I want to use the best quality sand over the most decorative.

 

[Mebbid]

Pool sand is great. I couldnt be happier with it personally.

The fish might act a little strange after a change, but thats just because it would be like a new tank for them.

If you choose to change, id pull the fish out into a bucket, siphon the water out, pull out the substrate, add the washed sand, put a plate in and use that to stop the sand from getting too agitated, and do a 100% water change to clear up tue cloudiness.

I personally dont even bother washing the sand.

 

[wildroseofky]

Make sure to wash it well. I put mine in a bucket and shoved a garden hose into the bottom of the bucket. Then tilted it a little. The hose stirred the sand and all the dirt and dust went out the side that was tilted. Fastest way I found to rinse it. Just keep adding water and every so often stopped and see if the water clears immediately. When that happens the sand is rinsed. If you do not rinse it it will take forever to clear and it can damage your filter. Be sure to put sponge around the intake pipe because any sand that makes it to the impeller will damage it.

I would suggest removing all the fish into buckets, take out decor, and drain most of the water. Save it in buckets to put back in the tank. That way fish are not stressed from new water. When you remove the old substrate it will stir up a lot of gunk and may cause a mini cycle. Your ammonia readings may go up for a few days. Do water changes to keep it to a safe level. It will straighten out in a few days to a week.

 

[Ricky 1]

I use a pillow case, and leave the water running until clear, cleaning in the tank will affect your pump...........

 

[ProAquarist]

I only use Estes marine sand. It requires no cleaning, no maintenance, is actually made for aquariums, has color options, and runs about the same cost as gravel. I usually do a half black and half white mix so it isn't too dark or too light and hides anything that may land on it really well.

 

[Eggheadfish]

I recently switched to pool filter sand and it looks awesome compared to the gravel I had. It cost me $11 for 50 lbs. Your cories will thank you!

 

[44Paps44]

Just switched over to play sand ($4 Home Depot) this past weekend. Cory's seem so much alive now. Plus looks more natural. Will add in a few of the gravel during the next water change on Sun...

 

[Noviceafter2yea]

Darn! Both of those look so cool. I ended up getting smooth river pebbles because the aquatic specialist (I know, sounds shady, but he has,been knowledgable and helpful in the past) at petco said sand would get in their gills.

I can still change it, but I will have to wait a bit so they don't get too traumatized. Shoot, shoot. I love how your tanks look.

I also couldn't decide between pool and play sand and didn't know if there was a particular size grain/grit.

I am so bummed.

They seem okay with the pebbles, but I have noticed some rubbing and bouncing off it. I am treating for parasite just in case, but am foolishly hoping they are just enjoying how smoothe their new substrate is.

I know, I know. Not likely especially considering I emptied the entire tank.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Eggheadfish]

River pebbles can trap food and be more difficult for the cories to move around looking for food. I'm a little confused by what the guy told you. Cories definitely get sand in their gills. When mine eat they suck up mouthfuls and spit the sand out through their gills. I have had other catfish that did the same. If the grains are smooth it's not an issue. Play sand is cheaper but you have to be careful of any sand and what it has in it and make sure it's washed thoroughly. I like the PFS because it's brighter and more dense so it settles away from the filter quickly. I've also used aquarium specific sand but I'm no expert on the differences.

 

[Noviceafter2yea]

River pebbles can trap food and be more difficult for the cories to move around looking for food. I'm a little confused by what the guy told you. Cories definitely get sand in their gills. When mine eat they suck up mouthfuls and spit the sand out through their gills. I have had other catfish that did the same. If the grains are smooth it's not an issue. Play sand is cheaper but you have to be careful of any sand and what it has in it and make sure it's washed thoroughly. I like the PFS because it's brighter and more dense so it settles away from the filter quickly. I've also used aquarium specific sand but I'm no expert on the differences.

What you say about eating makes total sense. I wish I thought about it. Like I said, I can always change it - after treating for possible parasites. One thing about the pebbles is they will be way easier to remove than gravel!

 

[fish wrangler]

Just switched over to play sand ($4 Home Depot) this past weekend. Cory's seem so much alive now. Plus looks more natural. Will add in a few of the gravel during the next water change on Sun...

Rainbow or redtail shark in the bottom right corner? Looks like the one I had before he died and I can't remember which one I had

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[44Paps44]

Haha, yes that would be Brutus. Rainbow Shark, about 9 months old and 5" now. Chaser of fish but so far no real nipping

 

[fish wrangler]

Really miss mine. I had a black log that he claimed as his. No other fish could get into it with him around

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[absolutangel04]

If you want to switch to sand, feel free. The truth about substrates is that they ate mostly preference. Average aquarium pea gravel does NOT damage your Cory's barbels. Neither will your pebbles. So, get what you like, keep your water parameters good, and you will be fine. I have blasting sand in 1 tank and gravel in my others. It is mostly just a preference.

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[ProAquarist]

In my experience it is more than preference. The sand that I use requires no cleaning ever. Not before it goes in, not once it is in. I actually had to stop putting it in clients' tanks because it made them too easy to clean. They would see how little work it was and some started doing it on their own. Seeing how much debris I pull out of gravel lets them know they don't want to do the work themselves. For my own tanks I will never go back, too much work. Gravel is more maintenance and less natural, simple as that.

 

[Noviceafter2yea]

How many inches do I use of sand and how many pounds for a 20 gallon?

What about black blasting sand?

 

[fish wrangler]

Do you have live plants or digging fish?

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[Noviceafter2yea]

Do you have live plants or digging fish?

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No live plants.
1 dalmation Molly
2 platy
3 bleeding heart tetra
4 julii or false julii cories (the 5th died and I will add another in about 10 days)
1 male guppy

 

[Mebbid]

Definitely no cories with blasting sand.

I would do about 2 inches. A single bag will be plenty.

 

[fish wrangler]

I have gravel substrate but I would think 3 inches of sand would be good. I would ask someone with more experience though.

Edit: I didn't see the previous post. Take previous post advice. It wouldn't hurt to buy a second bag incase you want to add more.

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