Pool filter sand - Silica Sand

[ccg]

Hello everyone,

I was reading pinned topic on sand, and it says pool filter sand, and silica sand is safe for in the tank.

Isnt silica particles of glass?

 

[Jezah]

Yes and no. Silica is ok for tanks, I use it in my 29g and highly reccomend it...and no its not particles of glass. What Silica is is a sand that when melted is used to make glass. Explain it ok?

 

[ccg]

I ask because in the past 2 weeks I started wroking for a pool shop and I install pools now. Today was my day off and I stopped in to pick up a couple bags of sand and my boss told me it wasnt safe for in my tank. I have read on hear that it is, but she also seemed to know what she was talking about, so I had to post to find out what is up..

I bought 100lbs today, 2 bags. It says Silica right on the side of it, its safe to use then right?

 

[ccg]

So I can go ahead right? I have just cleaned the sand and I am about to empty the tank and fish to do to swap

 

[Jezah]

Yup 100% safe. I work at a fish store, so as far as knowledge goes I probably know more than the pool lady. Silica sand is great, ONLY minor issue you may have is that if you are too rough the sand may scratch the tank. I doubt it though, as I am not exactly delicate with my 29g and I didnt scratch it. Good luck, have fun watching your fishes love the new substrate.

 

[squirrelrabbits]

I use silica pool sand in about half my tanks. The bottom dwellers love it!

 

[ccg]

Last night I did both my 35 and 45 gallon. I love the looks of it, like a whole new tank! Although it shows the fish waste very easily now, I guess i'll just have to do more water changes

It took no time at all to settle and clear up, very impressed with it. I few weeks ago I used play sand in a 10 gallon to see how I would like it. This is 100x better, it was clean to begin with, and after running hot water through it there was no dust or anything like that, looks great. Anyone who hasnt switched from gravel to sand I suggest you do so ASAP. Looks so much nicer and my fish are loving it.

 

[The-Wolf]

all of my tanks now have pool filter sand in them, far better than playsand that I used previously.
It didn't require any washing and doesn't compact down like playsand.

 

[abstract]

all of my tanks now have pool filter sand in them, far better than playsand that I used previously.
It didn't require any washing and doesn't compact down like playsand.

does it look the same or does it have a different color/consistency?

 

[Jen]

Thats what I have had in my tank for over a year now.

 

[The-Wolf]

does it look the same or does it have a different color/consistency?

slightly darker larger grain size and has black specks in it.