Both. I personally like the natural look of the play sand especially if you can get the dark grey mix (there is also a buff).
Questions about setting up my 90 gallon tank again...
- Thread starter blackthidot
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Both. I personally like the natural look of the play sand especially if you can get the dark grey mix (there is also a buff).
blackthidot
New Member
See with sand I really love black. haha
Then get black aquarium river sand. Nothing wrong with it. I had black once, never again, but that is just my preference for colour. Aquarium sand or play sand are safe.
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blackthidot
New Member
Why did you not like black? Just curious?
While it was certainly black, under the tank lighting it was a dullish dark grey. Nothing wrong with that, except it was not "black." My dark grey mix play sand is lighter in the tank so this is a common thing depending upon the tank lighting. And every bit of detritus was visible, something I have never had with the mixed gravels or sands. It also affected the fish's colouration, as fish will always change colour according to the substrate or the light intensity or both. But they definitely look better with the mix. At least it wasn't white, that is something to always avoid as it affects fish the most.
The black aquarium sand i think its called , "tahitian moon sand" is just fine grain blasting sand, its the exact same stuff except they pretty up the package give it a fancy name and charge 4× what it cost to get at a tractor supply store. Like i said earlier, i currently have the medium grit and ive had play sand and pool filter sand, the medium blasting sand is smaller grit than the pool filter sand bigger grit than tahitian moon sand(poweder) and just as soft as the play sand except it doesnt compact like play sand or kick up any dust when disturbed. So far ive had zero problems with it and it looks great. Also read plenty about it and watched videos of people that kept cories and plecos on it, there isnt a ton of info on it because its fairly new in the hobby but so far no worries.
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blackthidot
New Member
My buddy works at Petco and he gets 40% off the sand they have. It's this stuff here...
Im not sure exactly what imagitarium sand is made of but its the same grit as the fine grit blasting sand. The main complaint with this imagitarium sand is same complaint i had is the sand will float on your water surface and it also gets sucked up by filters(not good for filter)
Black diamond blasting sand doesnt work as an abrasive because its sharp, its because its hard just like all sands are hard. Even at 40% off at 18.00 that 10.00 for 20pounds where as black diamond blasting sand is about 7-10.00$ for 50 lbs.
Look up some videos or articles on use of black diamond blasting sand and i think youll find sone positive reviews and reports. Like byron said though cant go wrong with play sand and its cheap, i just like blasting sand more because it doesnt compact.
blackthidot
New Member
Which grit would you recommend?
JohnBgood
New Member
Anyone who has this much of a problem with the dollar cost of some substrate IMO is definitely in the wrong hobby. It is NOT a cheap hobby and never was. If you are having a problem with affordability at this stage I wonder how you will cope if you need to buy meds or other necessities as the need arises. I don't want to be critical but you don't need superfine substrate for Cory's. Mine are extremely happy and healthy with 3 mm black marble substrate and the plants do really well in it also.
blackthidot
New Member
I am just taking information and opinions. I’m clearly not scared to spend some money. The filter and light alone (as you can see based on what I bought) cost a small fortune. I am just looking for advice/opinions on the substrate cause I am really at a loss on what to get. I don’t know if you were directing that to me but I’m just stating my case in this situation.
Well if you can save in substrate lighting what not then one will have more for said meds. To say people that dont want to spend alot of money in the hobby shouldnt be in the hobby is a ridiculous uninformed elitist remark.
Ever heard of walsted? Shes one of the most respected experts in the hobby, she does low tech dirted tanks, no filter, not a ton of expense. The DIY specialist do DIY to save money. Using alternate substrates not sold in over priced fish stores isnt stupid its smart
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i use medium grit, i find the fine grit to be too messy, most people ive talked to on various aquarium forums also use the medium grit. Good luck with whatever you choose
I shake my head in disbelief when I read anyone saying their fish are "happy" and "healthy" when they are clearly not being properly provided for. Obviously most know little about fish physiology. As the topic has been sand/grit/gravel, the Corydoras experts clearly say the substrate must be smooth sand, and blasting sand, pool filter sand, paver sand, and similar is not suitable. If you want to argue this, go argue it with someone who really does know Corydoras, Ian Fuller.
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