mscichlid
Founder
Sand is good. I like it because it looks natural and it isn't hard on the fish especially if you have corys. Being cheaper than other substrates is a plus; the fact that you won't have to rinse it much before putting it in your tanks is a plus as well.
You'll have to remember not to put too much in the tank though. Sand has a tendancy to compact and become anerobic if it's too deep. If you are planning on putting speices that move the sand a lot it wouldn't be much of a problem...but still.
You'll have to remember not to put too much in the tank though. Sand has a tendancy to compact and become anerobic if it's too deep. If you are planning on putting speices that move the sand a lot it wouldn't be much of a problem...but still.
Tony
Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
What kind of fish are you planning on keeping in there? Plants?
I have sand in almost all my tanks, the only exceptions being planted tanks.
I have sand in almost all my tanks, the only exceptions being planted tanks.
UNCLERUCKUS
"THE ALL POWERFUL Q !!
GO SAND...EASIER TO MAINTAIN.
Tony
Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
Not sure if you're keeping any eartheaters, but they would appreciate sand.
Definitely. The poop just sits on top and doesn't get deep into the substrate like with gravel.
Go with a larger grade. I like pool filter sand, mixed with a little of the 3M black for my Rift Lake fish, though it may look more natural for new world fish to just use pool filter sand alone.
Lively
Members
I really like to use marine sand, but it's expensive. It's just the right "grit" though.
toddnbecka
Members
I'd mix some of the black with pool filter sand to darken the overall color a bit. That would still keep the sand from compacting too much. Don't pile it in too deep either, you only need enough to throughly cover the bottom. Less sand is easier to keep stirrred up to prevent gas bubbles, and mts are more effective in a shallower sand bed.
Tony
Alligator Snapping Turtle/Past Pres
There's been some debate on other threads as to whether it is kosher or not. Folks have had varying results. Most folks use black 3M Colorquartz, which is a bit more pricey than a Black Beauty, but universally accepted to be safe in tanks.
longstocking
Members
I use the sand blasting stuff with zero problems. Fish have lived for many years in it.
But I also use other sand as well....
But go with sand.... it's just easier and looks a heck of a lot more natural.
But I also use other sand as well....
But go with sand.... it's just easier and looks a heck of a lot more natural.
minifoot77
Members
just don't ever use a magfloat algae thingy cause it is iron oxide and will be attracted to the magnet and scratch the crap out of your tank...
jonclark96
Past CCA President
Stay away from play sand in my opinion. Pool filter sand is so much cleaner you won't believe it. I cleaned a 50 pound bag in the same amount of time it took me to clean enough play sand for a 5 gallon tank. You can get it at any pool supply store for 10 buck for 50 pounds.
BIG_Z
Members
+1 once you have spent 20 minutes trying to clean half a five gallon buckets worth of play sand you will wish you had filter sand.
mscichlid
Founder
You can get pool filter sand for $2 per 50lbs in Glen Burnie. I'm sharing my secret. 
mscichlid
Founder
Oh. Check the local pool and patio type places for the sand. It's about the size of chicken grit.
Check the local pool and patio type places for the sand. It's about the size of chicken grit.