A Nice Natural Sand (But Not Play Sand)?

[daizeUK]

I'm looking for a natural looking sand, not white or black and NOT play sand! (I know how much some of you guys love it but it's too fine for me, I prefer coarser grains )
 
I currently use Pets at Home sand which is a natural brown and do I like it.  I was thinking of trying something a bit brighter and more yellowy for a change, perhaps one of the Unipac sands or something similar.  Maybe Fiji or Senegal, does anybody like either of these two colours?
 
Or any other brands apart from Unipac?

 

[levahe]

I use unipac congo, its quite a light colour and goes well with any type of decor (imo) When I bought a second tank I ended up with it in there too as I couldn't find another one that I liked! Lol

 

[daizeUK]

Would love to see a pic of it in your tank!

 

[Fluval-1200]

Pool filter sand? 16/30 grade which is 0.5 - 1mm grain size

 

[levahe]

Here's a couple of pics - https/www.dropbox.com/sc/h6p71ehsh9e3pcf/Uylc6lhfvV

 

[Nordk]

You could always sift the larger bits out of play sand and use those, though it's more gravel than sand.

 

[rpgmomma8404]

I use pool filter sand and I love it. I wanted a whiter sand though but the color has really grown on me. 
 
Here's a picture of my 15 gallon (this was before I took out the bubble bar): 
 

 
10 gallon: 
 

 
I need to update my pictures. I've switched some stuff around but the sand is still the same. I really love the way it looks. 

 

[PrincessKiara]

Wow that's so pretty! What are the advantages of pool filter sand over fine white aquarium sand???

 

[rpgmomma8404]

Wow that's so pretty!

What are the advantages of pool filter sand over fine white aquarium sand???

Cheaper!! lol I don't know if one is easier to clean then the other though. Pool filter sand wasn't hard to clean at all. 

 

[daizeUK]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I didn't know that pool filter sand came in coarse grain sizes.
 
I like the way that Unipac mixes different colours of sand together to make a natural look.  Levahe, it looks a bit like the white grains have risen to the surface?  Perhaps they are smaller/lighter.  It almost looks like a dusting of snow on top!

 

[daizeUK]

I think I know why I dislike play sand.  I've only used Tesco's and I hear that it is finer than Argos which most other people use.  So perhaps I'm unfairly dismissing Argos play sand.
 
Does anybody know where I should shop for pool filter sand in the UK?
 
Failing that I am now leaning towards a very light coloured or white sand such as Unipac Maui.  Anybody know of any problems with keeping white sand looking clean?

 

[Vin Swords]

If you like heavy brown sand for natural look, use builders sharp sand.

I know there is old wife's tale about it's soooo. sharp. But I always use them with catfish and sand messing cichlids.

 

[Fluval-1200]

I got 50kg of pool filter sand from ebay for £32 posted.
Its far superior to play sand, easier to clean, doesn't go everywere when fish dig in it and its not compacting at all.

 

[m00ms]

i have play sand in my current tank and my last tank i had sand blast sand.
 
i prefered my last tank as the sand was a nice half way between sand and gravel,nice shape for bottom feeders and heavy enough not to get blown around.it was also a nice natural colour unlike the play sand which i think looks "bleached".
 
i will at some point change my play sand

 

[Garbolino]

I use the b.d trading aquarium sand, it's darker & heavier than play sand so doesn't get sucked up as much when I give it a Hoover