I Need Help With Sand. . . . .

[GobyMaster]

I'm looking for either Black or Brown sand that 1), won't affect pH, and 2), won't harm the fish in anyway.

I found this stuff here, http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...p;N=2004+113555, but it's kind of expensive. Any ideas???

GobyMaster

 

[mcdanielnc89]

Tahitian Moon sand will be good.. It's black...

 

[T1KARMANN]

black sand makes the tank look very very dark

 

[GobyMaster]

black sand makes the tank look very very dark

Yes, I was hoping for that. See, I'm trying to make an Amazon biotope, and I would mix the sand with pea gravel to make the sand look like the rotting plant matter.

I think I'll get that.

GobyMaster

 

[backley420]

Go to home depot and buy some brown playsand. Very cheap.. $2 for 100 lbs.


Good for fish and plants ect.

but most be cleaned several times.. by serval times i mean a million times

 

[scorphonic]

Ya dont need to wash play sand a million times!! Only once will do!!

People suggest to wash it in a bucket but this is so time consuming!! Get a shopping bag, the fabric ones and put your sand into it and run the garden hose into the bag...homemade strainer!! Sand will clear in under two minutes. Simply empty bag and refil with dirty sand and repeat!!

You can also use a pillow case!!

 

[GobyMaster]

And that won't affect the pH?

GobyMaster

 

[scorphonic]

Nope, just make sure you have washed it enough. None of my tanks have been effected, pH always remains the same.

Dont mind people who say that play sand is not suitable...it is very suitable and since the grain is small the fish cant get their mouths torn. Some black sand is actually small glass particles which have sharp edges which will damage fish that live on the bottom and who sift through the substrate for food.

Just remember that if you dont want to cloud your tank with the play sand when your putting it into your tank, just get a glass and scoop the wet sand (after washing) and lower the glass slowly, when its at the bottom just let it fall out slowly, you wont have any problems with having to wait for sand to settle since it will settle straight away.

My tank looks great, and my fry love it.

The moon sand is superb if you want black sand...only its expensive!!

you could mix the moon sand with the play sand...should look good!

 

[GobyMaster]

you could mix the moon sand with the play sand...should look good!

Yeah, I think that would look cool with my fish contrasted against it!

Thanks for the ideas!

GobyMaster

 

[backley420]

pick your filter carefully... sand will destry the impeller on some.

 

[scorphonic]

pick your filter carefully... sand will destry the impeller on some.

Good advice there. I did forget to mention that I have covered the inlet of my internal filter with a fine mesh that allows water in but prevents the sand entering. Only problem is that a scum build-up on the mesh has to be cleared manually or the water pressure of the filter will reduce.