Sand Options...........

[Stampos]

Hey guys.

Was at my LFS earlier pondering what sand to use on my upgrade. I saw the arag alive stuff but was too fine and no way would I pay £30 for a bag of sand!! Please can you share a photo of your tank substrate and perhaps list the pros/cons?

Ta

 

[Noahs ark6]

exo-terra riverbed sand, its ment to be used in reptile tanks, but is perfectly fine for aquariums

 

[Stampos]

Hmmm, not sure it would work in a reef tank - but thank you anyway

 

[jameshughes1989]

No, not in a reef. I use TMC Coral Sand and I am very happy with it. Hope that helps.

 

[Noahs ark6]

ye i didnt see it was in the reef section

 

[seffieuk]

This is my choice

http/www.cityaquaticscardiff.co.uk/store/caribsea-aragamax-grand-bahama-sand-30-lb-1503.html

Seffie x

ps I am not saying this is a good place to buy, although it might be, its just the first one that came up for Grand bahamas

 

[Stampos]

Thanks James & Seffie

I ended up getting the TMC coral sand as it isn't too fine and also looks nice and white. Perfect

Simon

 

[dayzofspeed]

the cost of these sands are frightening, has anyone ever used playsand what are the pros and cons of that?

 

[seffieuk]

EEEEEEEEErrrrrrrrrrrr, Noooooooooooooooooooooo

coral sand is what is needed

Seffie x

 

[Donya]

the cost of these sands are frightening, has anyone ever used playsand what are the pros and cons of that?

It's usually made from silicates, so there will be no pH buffer. Aragonite sand helps to buffer the pH, which is pretty important. If there is such a thing as aragonite playsand, then it should be no different buffer-wise than aragonite sold as being intended for an aquarium, but it should at a minimum get one heck of a wash before use.

 

[dayzofspeed]

ok so thats a big no on the playsand (was kind of expecting that), now i have read somewhere that coral sand also has drawbacks especially if planning a dsb as this requires grains of a smaller size and smoother (oolites or something) is this correct

 

[woody88]

I use caribsea Fiji pink 'arag alive' sand.

£15 for 4.5kg off fleebay