Sand in tank...

[Jediagh]

I live near Lake Michigan in the USA. I have a new 5 gal tank that I wnat to add sand instead of gravel to. Could I just go down the my local beach and scope up some sand and use that in the tank? Or does the sand have to be a special type of sand?

My LFS does not carry sand..

 

[The-Wolf]

the short answer is no!

 

[jrd77]

Beach sand will be highly contaminated with all sorts of things you do not want in your tank. Perhaps your LFS can order it for you or a neighboring town's LFS might be a carrier. Have your LFS herlp you find special aquarium sand. Good luck! B)

 

[parker313]

No on the beach sand.

If you can't get sand at your lfs, try Lowe's or Toys R Us for play sand. It works just as well and is a LOT cheaper. I got enough sand for my 46 for under $3!

 

[canarsie11]

No

 

[copeina]

No on the beach sand.

If you can't get sand at your lfs, try Lowe's or Toys R Us for play sand. It works just as well and is a LOT cheaper. I got enough sand for my 46 for under $3!

I use Home Depot "sterilized play sand" in all 14 of my tanks and it works great!

Start with just a dusting of sand. You will not need 2" like with gravel, nor do you want it when it comes time to clean.

If you want colored sand, Estes makes a synthetic product that comes in Pure White, Pure Black, Primary Blue, and Primary Red. All are quite attractive and are totally safe for any aquarium.

Also be careful with sand getting into your filters. Nothing burns out an impeller like sand. I use air-driven sponge filters on all of my tanks so it is a non-issue.

Good luck,
/Kris

 

[Jediagh]

Thanks all I think my next stop is Home Depot right around the corener. Thanks copeina for being up the point of the filter. I had not though of that one.