tropical play sand

[Fishy411]

there is this stuff at my local home depot called tropical play sand. I have hearrd of people using it for saltwater tanks and then seeding it with live sand but can i use it for a fw tanK?

 

[WILDER]

I don't see why not.

 

[gadazobe]

If it's fresh sand, then I can't see a problem. Just wash it very well before you use it.

 

[NickT]

i wish my home depot had tropical play sand... im stuck with oregon playsand... witch if you havent seen oregon sand its greay and grity. well more grity than tropical sand. the tropical stuff is just lighter in color and softer to the touch.

EDIT: how much was it? it cost me $2.50 for a 50lb bag and that was all i needed for my 55g.

 

[a.i.m]

Ive used play sand in many of my tanks, its cheep and looks effective. But for planted tanks i would advise against it as the sand grains are too fine and the substrait compacts preventing nutrients from being absorbed / released.

 

[enchanted]

I disagree with AIM. I use it in my Planted tank and have good root systems. In fact I'm dreading the rearranging coming because the Hygors have put out no runners and niether have the Ludwigas which means it is rooting.

 

[freddyk]

I also agree that plants are fine with it. Growing roots and snails will do a good job of mixing up the sand for you, and nutrients will enter the sand through the water column.

The best sand I've ever encountered is King Washed Beach Sand from Home Depot. A couple quick rinses and it it didn't cloud the water one bit.

 

[Fishy411]

ok thx. the tank will not be planted. It's going to be a cichlid tank ( african) and i think i am going to combine it with black sand. I am going to just use it in the back with the rocks i am putting in.