Sand + freswater

[ziffus]

Lets set asside the type of fish I'll be adding to the tank and plants.

Is there a specific mesh or grain size of sand everyone is using? I've seen many tanks with sand in them and I have no clue where to start. I'm a tad worried about sand stirring up and causing damage to the filter, or causing the whole tank to cloud for hours on end. Is there any rule of thumb people are following?

 

[Galerius]

Also, what sand (brand) does *not* affect pH? I have a South American setup which I'd love to have sand in for plants, and more of a "natural" effect, and do not want an increase in pH that seems to be inherent in usage of sand.

TIA

 

[Allivymar]

I use "Tahitian Moon" sand in my planted tank. Its an inert black sand. Lovely stuff.

I don't check grain size; that being said, I don't use "sugar" or very fine sand as it takes forever to settle, and is more apt to get into the filter impeller and mess it up.

I don't know brand names of inert sand, although if the sand is not recommended for SW tanks it should be ok for a FW tank (the sand used in SW tanks generally is made of aragonite and will effect pH). Maybe someone else will pop in with better info on this (you out there Tankgirl? *grin*).

 

[fishfreek]

Silica based sand should not affect ph at all.

Look on the tag 100% Silica Sand on the bag. Some sands you find will be labled "Not for aquarium use" because of agreements they have with competing aquatic sand suppliers.