How many lbs of sand?

[Freshyfishy]

I have an 85g, how many lbs of sand do i need?

 

[AdoraBelle Dearheart]

depends how deep you want the sand, but I used 22kgs in a 57g, so I'd say likely at least 25kgs, maybe a bit more?
Certain undyed quickrite play sands are aquarium safe, I forget which ones but there are a few playsands in the US that are aquarium safe and much cheaper than buying aquarium sand. I think @Essjay or @Byron would know which ones!

 

[Freshyfishy]

We have Quikrete here... offbrand maybe.. it says "all purpose sand"

 

[Byron]

We have Quikrete here... offbrand maybe.. it says "all purpose sand"

No, not this one. Quikrete Play Sand is the best for an aquarium. It is inert (does not change water parameters), it is a soft as any sand can be so it will not hurt bottom fish, and plants grow exceptionally well in it. Lowe's and Home Depot carry this, just make sure it is Play Sand.

One bag is 25kg or 50 pounds. You have a 4-foot tank if I remember correctly from the other thread, so one bag will work but a second won't hurt to have. They are around $7 a bag, or were.

 

[Freshyfishy]

ok, so Quikrete WILL work?

 

[Byron]

ok, so Quikrete WILL work?

The PLAY SAND yes, but Quikrete make several different grades of sand, and none of the others are good in fish tanks. You referred to their "all purpose sand" which is not the same sand. Only the PLAY SAND.

 

[BleuTheBetta]

ok, so Quikrete WILL work?

Yes, but just make sure it’s play sand.

 

[Freshyfishy]

ok! Quikrete PLAY sand it is!

 

[connorlindeman]

Quikrete Pool filter sand is also good. I use it in all my tanks. I like it better than play sand.

 

[Freshyfishy]

Also, can my tank have water in it when i put it in..

 

[Uberhoust]

I just used 2.5 50 lb bags in my 75 gallon. I haven't had much luck with Quikcrete play sand it was way too dirty for me. I am trying out Target 20/40 grit silica sand, it was way cleaner, and the grains rounder than the play sand, and darker than pool filter sand, very soft. I won't say it is better yet because I haven't been using it long enough yet, only a couple of months.

The base of my tank is 48x18", it is the area of the base that determines how much you use.

 

[Freshyfishy]

I have a 85g. (breeder/tall wtvr)

 

[connorlindeman]

Also, can my tank have water in it when i put it in..

No. Bad idea. Drain the tank first.

 

[Freshyfishy]

AGHHH omg what a pain in the butt!!!

are you sure i can't just wet the sand first then put it in?

 

[Byron]

Quikrete Pool filter sand is also good. I use it in all my tanks. I like it better than play sand.

This is not good for fish like cories. A post on CorydorasWorld a while back listed several problems with PFS for cories.

PFS works by having sharp edges which are used to catch dirt. Over time all of these sharp edges fill with collected material, wear down, and the sand needs to be replaced.​

Reef keepers with sand sifting fish won't use PFS because it is sharp edged and, while it may not kill the fish, it is likely uncomfortable for sharp edged sand to pass through soft gills.​