sand

[schizo_fish]

what would people say is the best colour for sand in a freshwater aquarium?
also, does anyone know of a good make of WHITE sand in the UK?
thanks

 

[rvm]

You can get a big bag of playsand from Argos for about £2.99. It isn't white, but it is very light. Only problem with using a substrate this light as I've learnt recently is that most fish prefer a dark substrate as it is more natural. Apparently light substrates can make fish quite nervous and skittish!

 

[AmberC]

I have to agree about the lighter sand. The lights from the tank reflect off it increasing the nervousness. I have black sand in my tank and have to say it contrasts fish colors VERY nicely. I'd go with darker.

 

[schizo_fish]

i might cosider it, whats a good make of dark sand?

 

[yhbae]

Is there a such a thing as a cheap dark sand? Play sands are cheap, while the black ones I've seen are really expensive....

 

[Aquascaper]

I use play sand from argos and none of my fish mind at all, even the plec comes out during the day so it can't be that bright

The cheapest coloured sand i have found has been £4/kg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[yhbae]

Yup, I bought their delux version of the play sand that costs whopping 50% more than their regular one ($3 instead of $2, all in Canadian dollars). I only needed to use half of it on my 3ft tank... They are real cheap.

I'm not sure if this is the characteristics of this "delux" sand but this one doesn't turn water cloudy at all - it all settled within few hours and now I can seriously poke into the sand and they all fall of quite quickly... Very happy with this choice...