What Is The Best Substrate?

[Ninjouzata]

Post as many questions as you want! Like Saw said that is the point of a forum
 
I know it's pretty much been answered but sand will be fine for your plec. White sand is fine, it just shows poo well like you mentioned.
 
If you're looking for cheap black sand I know here we have black diamond blasting sand..is there anything like that around you? I personally just use PetCo's black sand though.
 
I find sand a lot easier to clean than gravel. It looks more natural too IMO.

 

[attibones]

I use the black diamond blasting sand. I'm really pleased with it. I don't have any fish which require such substrate yet, but it rinses easily, it's cheap, and it looks nice. I try to avoid paying for aquarium sand because it is so much more costly than six dollars for a fifty pound bag of blasting sand, or two dollars for a fifty pound bag of play sand.

 

[KieranBoyne]

Oooh.. i'm in the uk so I think that what is known as petco in the us is pets at home in the uk. I'll have a look. Didn't think of looking there actually.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Oooh.. i'm in the uk so I think that what is known as petco in the us is pets at home in the uk. I'll have a look. Didn't think of looking there actually.

 
Try Maidenhead Aquatics as well, they sell some nice sand as well, usually JBL brand a little more pricey sometimes but worth a look for sure.
 
There are quite a few M.A stores dotted around the UK so am sure there will be one not far from you.

 

[KieranBoyne]

Thanks guys. I found ebay so it's all sorted. Just waiting for my £20 voucher to be sent through to me because I sold my 1st item!! Then i'll go spending big time.

 

[KieranBoyne]

I will be using this gravel:http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181378675399
The pleco won't hurt his mouth on it will he?

 

[rms]

Looks a bit sharp to be honest and 5mm pieces are quite big as well. I bought play sand off ebay. 25kg for around £15 and free delivery. You can't really argue with that for value.

 

[sawickib]

Yea I agree with rms seems a bit sharp for any bottom feeders.

 

[KieranBoyne]

Ah, ok, ummm... what about this one: http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/380829216154?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&hlpht=true&lpid=108&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108
 
I have some of that in the garden shed, as well as some white sand the same brand. Any good?

 

[rms]

Looks fine, but you can get more than double for less money if you go with play sand. Mine is practically white. When you vac your sand you will lose some, no matter how careful you are. Regular topping up is needed. In the long run you'll be paying a lot more for, essentially, a brand name. No other benefit.
 
Here's the link
 
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHILDRENS-PLAY-PIT-CLEAN-AND-SAFE-FUN-PLAY-SAND-25KG-BAG-/161245325126?pt=UK_Toys_Games_Outdoor_Play_Equipment_LE&hash=item258af86746
 
It does not look orange in an aquarium. More a very pale cream.

 

[KieranBoyne]

Ok, my brother will use the play sand first, if he finds it good, then I will get some, then that's all good. I am tempted to use something designed specifically for aquariums, I don't know why, it's just me being paranoid I think.

 

[rms]

It needs a good rinse, but only to remove dust. Method for that has already been explained on this thread. There's nothing toxic in it, it's used for childrens play areas I know what you mean about taking care though, but I heard enough people with years of experience saying it's perfectly safe and my fish are fine as well.