Difference in sand?

[Undawada]

I'm switching to sand, and I know my Brochis Splendins will love it.

When researching the price of freshwater sand from my LFS the cost is going to be $6.00 CDN per 5 lb. I calculated the weights, and figured I'd need 25 lbs or so which means Ill be spending $30.

I can probably get some "play sand" from a hardware store much cheaper, but was wondering if there are any problems with it. I don't want it to leach chemicals or upset my tank balance too much. I know some people on this forum have used it with success, so to those people: How did you tell your sand was safe?

Is there a way to tell if the sand is inert or not? Especially since it's not manufactured for aquariums, it's hard to tell if it's safe for fish or not.

 

[parker313]

I don't know the technical answers to your questions, but I got premium play sand at Lowe's and it hasn't altered my water specs at all. It wasn't that hard to rinse out and I am so glad that I spent the time changing it out.

 

[Synirr]

Great question! I'm glad you asked so I didn't have to

 

[breezer40]

I've used both the aquarium and the play sand and to be honest haven't noticed any difference between them All water parameters stayed the same..both as easy to clean so now I only use play sand and spend the savings on more fish

 

[Undawada]

Great. I'm so glad that play sand will work... saving $$$ always makes me happy

 

[outofmybin21]

Don`t use the play sand as the sand particles are too thin. I`ve heard the solution to this before i just can`t remember but there was a particular type of sand that had thicker particles so i would look into this first.

 

[parker313]

Don`t use the play sand as the sand particles are too thin. I`ve heard the solution to this before i just can`t remember but there was a particular type of sand that had thicker particles so i would look into this first.

As long as you thoroughly rinse the sand, it's not a problem. I rinsed my sand well and haven't had a bit of clouding problem. Even when I accidentally stir it up with my siphon, it settles right back down.

You can also use pool filter sand, it works just as well too. Play sand was just more available in my area so that's what I used.

 

[smithrc]

we have 2 tanks with play sand in - it says on the packet NON TOXIC... as most kids have a habit of eating things they play with!

Anyway - our 2 tanks are doing just fine

no problems with filters either.

just make sure you wash it really well to start with (REALLY well!)

 

[Aquascaper]

Don`t use the play sand as the sand particles are too thin. I`ve heard the solution to this before i just can`t remember but there was a particular type of sand that had thicker particles so i would look into this first.

The whole reason behind using play sand is that the particles are smooth not rough like builders sand & sharp sand. Play sand is perfectly fine for aquarium use as is any sand that is labelled 'Non-Toxic'.

I have 3 tanks all with play sand and have never had a problem with any of them. The only cnsideration is the colour of the sand, some are lighter than others so try and see what the colour is before you buy (Argos play sand is very light in colour).

HTH

 

[schizo_fish]

what is pool filter sand?

 

[smithrc]

what is pool filter sand?

sand used in swimming pool filters...

not that common here in the uk... we dont see too many swimming pools!

This is what Argos play sand looks like...

That tank had just been setup at that point. hence the misty look.

 

[schizo_fish]

what tank is that in the pic?

 

[smithrc]

what tank is that in the pic?

its the 30 gal office tank. (US gals that is.)

Its a Fluval Duo 1000.

 

[Teelie]

Pool filter sand here too. No problems with it outside what you'd normally do, like washing it thoroughly, like you would any other substrate. IMO it's better than play sand as it's especially meant for submerging in water and therefore, a heavier grain and doesn't cloud as easily. It's also as cheap or nearly as cheap as play sand.

 

[schizo_fish]

smithrc, i think you calculations are a bit wrong.
if the 1000 is 30 (us) gallons that makes it about 25 (uk) gallons, and i have the deep version of it (only 5cm deeper) which is 40 (uk) gallons.