Ya... Play sand isnt very nice to wash but it does look nice. Alot more work but insanely cheaper. Theres a method I learned if you can empty your tank, that once your done washing it place it all in the tank to the thickness you want, then put a plate or something flat where your going to add the water. It will roll off the plate and fill the tank instead of stirring the sand around. If you cant do that and MUST add sand to an aquarium full of water just gotta be careful and leave the filter off for awhile. One of my HOB filters is a little clogged because I didnt let the sand settle long enough, I haven't fixed it yet but I moved onto canisters
