Switching to sand

[DXG]

I've decided to switch from gravel to sand.

How much will I need and do you know anyway cheap in the UK where I can get it ?

I've done some searches and a lot of people say Argos play sand, but I don't think they sell it any more.

I'm looking for a nice golden colour and enough to cover a 4 foot tank with about 2 inches.

Thanks

 

[The-Wolf]

Try homebase. For a 4ft tank covering of 2" you will need 50 kg(2 bags) around £4.19 a bag.
HTH

 

[DXG]

Thanks Wolf

I'll be heading off there at 10:00 - It's gonna be a long day .........

 

[lady_tanksalot]

i used play sand, its a lot cleaner so less fuss, only needed one bag fro my 4' tank and got it from my local hardware store for £3.50 ( think it should have been £4 but i fluttered my eyelashes)

 

[RYO]

Got the last one from B+Q for £3.99 and a bag will do a 4 ft, most play sand tends to be the light coloured stuff.

 

[DXG]

Finished !

2 bags of sand - 2 hours of cleaning - 2 hours to replace.

hard work, but I think well worth it.

 

[The-Wolf]

Finished !

2 bags of sand - 2 hours of cleaning - 2 hours to replace.

hard work, but I think well worth it.

Looking good
It should be totally clear within 36 hrs, or quicker
depending on filtration of course.

 

[teacherspet]

I was thinking of switching to sand as well... do you clean it the same as gravel?

 

[lady_tanksalot]

i put mine in a bucket filled it to the brim, mixing at the same time, let the sand settle, then pour the water out and start again. hopefully each time you wash it you should get lots of scum unitl its running clear.

i used play sand which was quite clean to start with, it took about half an hour to clean it.

 

[Kelso]

i was also thinking about changing to sand...does your tank need to recycle? i'm assuming the bacteria all comes out when you take out the gravel...

 

[The-Wolf]

i was also thinking about changing to sand...does your tank need to recycle? i'm assuming the bacteria all comes out when you take out the gravel...

Most of the bacteria lives in your filter, some does live in the gravel.
you can transplant the bacteria by putting all or at least half the gravel in a pair ot stockings and laying them on the new sand bed for two days. The bacteria will then migrate to the sand and the gravel can be easily removed.

 

[Scougie]

I switched to sand. But found that using grit and sand made for a far more natural look. What do you think? Gravel to sand pics

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I used 1.5 15kg bags from Argos for my 4 ft tank and the sand is pretty thick.