Sand substrata

[corymad]

Hi all

The most appropriate sand to use for a tropical set up appears to be silica sand. This can be bought from Early Learning Centres as play sand.

ELC's e- mail is copied below

"I can confirm that the sand we use is a Quartz or Silica Sand which is commonly known as Silver Sand. The sand has sub rounded grains which avoid abrasion and the clarity of the grains show almost no discoloration indicating the lack of ferrous oxide, the most common cause of staining.

Our Quality Assurance Department have confirmed that no chemicals are added to clean the sand"

I'd be really pleased to hear if anyone out there has positive or negative feedback re sand. I can't try yet as I'm (still) waiting for my stand to be made for the 260 litre tank.

After surfing the net for hours, the concensus appears to be that the sand should be less than 1" deep to avoid build up of gases.

Any thoughts?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

There is certainly no lack of sand that will work in an aquarium. All types of play sand are fine, as well as construction sand, concrete sand, river sand, and pool filter sand.