Silver/river/other Sand?

[maurizio]

Hello all,
may I have a hint for the best choice of sand for a SG 1.002 with P. Ranga and Toxotes Microlepis? I know Ranga would prefer darker substrates, and I do want to match this requirement.

What are the differences between silver and river sand? As I read, I could even use sand bought in stores selling building materials, which would make it much cheaper. But which sand to choose there? I've seen they have beach (! Salty?) sand, and few more kinds.

Thanks!

 

[Mowbz]

Any sand that isnt course should be fine. Most of us use Argos or B&Q sand in our tanks with no problem.

It needs a good wash (salty sand is fine, as long as its "superwashed") and its normally done in a bucket and by hand. Takes a wqhile, but at £3 for 25kg, its dirt cheap.

If you cant spare the hour or so of cleaning, you could do what i did;

Peirce several hundred holes in the bag (a fork will do) and slit the stop open enough to slip the end of a hose inside. Put the bag into a bucket, and place over a drain. Turn the hose on for several hours.

Any sand that makes it out of the holes, will end up in the bottom of the bucket, so its still useable.

Hope this helps!