Best sand

[nc_nutcase]

But you left out the best part... Where'd ya get it!

 

[rdd1952]

But you left out the best part... Where'd ya get it!

Sorry. I got the play sand at Lowes (about $3.50 for 50 lb) and the TMS at Petsmart ($19.95 for 20 lb). I have seen the TMS online for $13.99 plus shipping though.

 

[MXPX4318]

I used pool filter sand for my two tanks (20 and 10) and got it at a pool store for 7 bucks (50lbs and it's plenty to fill both the 20 and 10 1.5" across the bottom plus I still have plenty left over) and all I did was poor it from the bag into the tank and fill the tank up halfway and syphon it out and fill it halfway and syphon it out and then use a plate on top of the sand to pour the water on the third time and filled the tank up and let it sit for an hour and everything was pretty much clear, so no hassle at all to me. great stuff I'd say (and it looks good too I get nothing but compliments about it).

 

[Fishist]

Thanks all. This gives me a variety to choose from. Initially I was thinking something on the pale side... but the TMS sounds interesting too and worth checking out.

 

[Macracantha]

I like play sand personally, looks really good.

Play sand? Like kids play sand?

Exactly


Go to a Home Depot or something (depending on which country you're in ) and get some kids play sand and just wash it really good.

Home Depot? Brilliant.... I live in the US and I'm a contractor so I'm in there every other day! Thanks.

Well that'll work

Yeah, but what if you don't live in the US?

 

[rdd1952]

Yeah, but what if you don't live in the US?

I would think any major home improvement store (Lowes, Home Depot in the US) would have play sand. Don't know the names of any overseas though.

 

[SarahBravo]

If you're in the UK I think Argos does play sand cos they sell sand pits for kids. Yep, they do... see here

 

[Dubby]

If you're in the UK I think Argos does play sand cos they sell sand pits for kids. Yep, they do... see here

To add to that you can try B&Q, Homebase, ELS, Wilkinson..... they all do playpit sand.... you can also use Silver sand.

 

[claireroe]

i used play sand from B&Q and it is really good . it only took about half an hour to wash enough for an inch all over a 3 foot tank and no cloudyness what so ever from the moment i put the water in it was clear and still is . You do have to clean up the poo with sand though !

 

[Macracantha]

If you're in the UK I think Argos does play sand cos they sell sand pits for kids. Yep, they do... see here

To add to that you can try B&Q, Homebase, ELS, Wilkinson..... they all do playpit sand.... you can also use Silver sand.

Thanks for the tips guys.....

Anyone know the best source (in UK) for red sand suitable for an Asian themed tank?

How about a gravel/sand mix?

 

[Grey Legion]

Play Sand -

PRO's

cheap
looks very natural
grain sizes vary

CON's

may contain a lot of clay
must be rinsed very well and for a longer than average time

3-6 bucks for a 50lb bag

Silica Sand

PRO's

cheap
looks awsome ( if you want a light/white floor )
easy to clean

Con's

99% of the stuff you find at hardwarestores will be grey/white
cost is a little higher than play sand

4-7 bucks for a 50lb bag

I myself would not even consider going to the LFS to buy sand so I have no knowledge on what they sell..

HOME DEPOT should have what you need or go to any landscape store

 

[Squirrelbuddies]

How about a gravel/sand mix?

I have a very fine gravel in one of my tanks. It almost looks like sand (the grains are larger) but is easy to clean and rinse like gravel. It's a light colored (not white) natural looking substrate. Very easy to rinse when you first get it and easy to clean each week.

I think it only cost twenty-nine cents per pound at the lfs. I only used one pound per gallon, so it ended up pretty inexpensive.

 

[Dubby]

Thanks for the tips guys.....

Anyone know the best source (in UK) for red sand suitable for an Asian themed tank?

How about a gravel/sand mix?

You could create the red sand effect using a mix of sand and laterite.

Sand and gravel mix can also be used but remember that due to the different size of the grains gravel will come on top, eventually.