Sand substrate

[Pandicorn]

You can use playsand, but you will have to clean it much more! I'd avoid blasting sand, after all it is made to... Smash rock... So... Yeah. I'm a sucker and spent like 20$ on 50 pounds of sand. I've found it looks cool of you mix white sand with a natural, tan sand. I will post pics in the morning.

 

[Coursair]

I bought my CaribSea black sand at Petsmart.


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[Abiduwhabi]

I use pool filter sand in my 55 which was very easy to clean, and I use black sand that I got from my LFS in my 36 to cap my dirted tank. I have no problems with plants staying rooted in either tank. I will say that it is a lot easier for the inhabitants to uproot your plants though. My khulis drive me nuts digging around my Dwarf hairgrass.

 

[leannaby]

Lots of good info here.. Have to go and look around and see what bargains I can get here in the uk

Thanks

 

[Gakkan]

My only advice from using sand is once it's settled for a while and you're plants are all settled in, don't disturb the lower few inches. I moved a few bits round in mine and a mess of black stuff spewed out, had a big ammonia spike and all my fish started gasping, luckily no permanent damage.

 

[leannaby]

Thanks

 

[anteatergoanna]

okay, never thought of getting blasting sand, do you get it from hardware shop? I've currently got gravel and hate it, the debris falls in through it and it's a bugger to clean. I have an orange shark (not sure what they are called) and it likes to up root what ever it can, funny to watch, not funny to replant lol

 

[leannaby]

Just saw a bag of kids play sand.. Can I use this please ??

 

[Ian086]

Just saw a bag of kids play sand.. Can I use this please ??

Smyths(toystore) currently or should have kids playsand in stock. Also Tesco/Asda might have it now or very soon. The one they sell in Smyths(in Ireland) is perfect. A nice light colour, not too white and over here it's only about €5 a bag-10kg, probably cheaper for you's!!
Sorry just skipped through the thread, what size tank???

 

[leannaby]

It's a 15 gallon tank

 

[leannaby]

Is the play sand a lot more messier to have ??

 

[Pandicorn]

Is the play sand a lot more messier to have ??

Yes. I suggest using pool filter sand or special aquarium sand (prob at your LFS)

 

[leannaby]

I'm gonna have a look around this week to see what's about.. Thanks

 

[venymae]

I have playsand in my 29 gallon and it's not messy at all for sand. Lots of folk use it.

 

[Ian086]

Yes. I suggest using pool filter sand or special aquarium sand (prob at your LFS)

You'll struggle to find pool filter sand in Wales!!. Special Aquarium sand will cost a pretty penny. Go with the playsand, not messier and as good as any of those other sands.....
2 10kg bags will be plenty...

 

[leannaby]

Ok thanks. how long does it take to settle ?

 

[Ian086]

Ok thanks. how long does it take to settle ?

It depends how well you wash it. Mine was crystal clear in a day. I have to pop out but i'll chat to you later about how I dine mine. I'm sure the other members here will have good advice on how to do it.....

 

[gilpi]

Ok thanks. how long does it take to settle ?

I'm thinking almost any sand is ok as long as it's rinsed well, you want to remove as much dust as possible. We use sand blasters in my shop, I personally can't see this sand going in a tank since it's almost like a fine sand or powder, unless there is a coarse type I haven't heard of.
You'd still be better off buying the substrate in the pet shop, a 15 gallon tank doesn't need much.

 

[venymae]

I'm thinking almost any sand is ok as long as it's rinsed well, you want to remove as much dust as possible. We use sand blasters in my shop, I personally can't see this sand going in a tank since it's almost like a fine sand or powder, unless there is a coarse type I haven't heard of.
You'd still be better off buying the substrate in the pet shop, a 15 gallon tank doesn't need much.

Yes I do believe blasting sand comes in different grit sizes.

Here is a thread with people's 100% black diamond blasting sand tanks.
BLACK DIAMOND SAND tanks! Let's see them "blasting away" here!!!


ALso here's a good general article on sand for aquariums
Sand for the Aquarium

 

[pedikeens11]

I just switched from gravel to play sand...make sure u wash it and when u think its washed...wash it a few more times. Once u put it in your tank use a plate on the top of the sand and then pour the water back in. Mine took two days to settle but now its crystal clear and I love it!!!

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