Using sand

[diVer]

I've some people say sand can mess up some filters but others are OK with it. I'm in the middle of setting up a 30 gallon and want to put sand in it. Would the Whisper filter be OK with it?

 

[crimsontsavo]

I have a whisper fall filter. (hangs over the tank)

I use sand and have for many years- with no problems.

Don't use sand with an UGF (Under Gravel/Ground Filter)- the sand particles will fall below and basically mess it up.

My intake valve is not more than an inch above the sand- and has been going for many years. (in different sandy tanks).

Most people need to use a chopstick or a finger/stick to stirr the sand as sometimes gasses collect and might mess your tank up.

I've found in a very heavilly planted tank with plenty of sand "divers" ( aquatic beings that stirr my sand for me)- this wasnt neccisary.

HTH's.

 

[Bol]

I agree, should be ok provided the sand is thoroughly rinsed when first put in, and the intake of the filter isn't very close to the sand surface.

 

[JoKeR]

Can i buy my sand from homedepot what kind is it safe for fish. So no UGF ok.

 

[marks69]

i just set up a new 55 with sand and the wisper, and i used home depots play sand.
we washed it for about 2 hours and thought we got most of the dust out.
today it finally clear.lol

 

[diVer]

Thanks for the help, I was hoping it would be OK since I like to look of sand much more than gravel.

 

[Lateral Line]

The type of sand has a great impact on the maintenance required. Siler sand, building sadn and so forth tends to pack down very hard in a short time so raking it around is a frequent activity. For the last 10+ years I have used swimming pool filter sand which I find packs down softly over a long period, just a poke about with a chopstick once in a while.

Don't get coral sand or any other calcareous stuff, if it fizzes with vinegar, it is not suitable unless you are keeping rift valley species or marines.

 

[Bol]

I've heard many people recommend "blasting sand", too. It's a silica sand that usually has larger grains than "play sand" does.