Best sand?

[MetalRavioli]

Heyo MFK!

I have a tank that I am looking to replace the substrate of! Its currently got some fluval gravel, but its not really working out for me. So I'm redoing the tank, and replacing it with sand! I'm going to make it into a tank with many pots, each containing clay and fluval gravel, etc. The pots will contain plants, however the substrate of the tank will be sand! However, I'm not sure the best type of sand to go for, or really exactly what to kinds of stuffs to put in the pots either. If anyone can suggest any brands or specific products, that'd be awesome!

 

[phreeflow]

Pool filter sand

 

[tlindsey]

Heyo MFK!

I have a tank that I am looking to replace the substrate of! Its currently got some fluval gravel, but its not really working out for me. So I'm redoing the tank, and replacing it with sand! I'm going to make it into a tank with many pots, each containing clay and fluval gravel, etc. The pots will contain plants, however the substrate of the tank will be sand! However, I'm not sure the best type of sand to go for, or really exactly what to kinds of stuffs to put in the pots either. If anyone can suggest any brands or specific products, that'd be awesome!

I agree with P phreeflow about pool filter sand. You could place Anubius or Java Ferns in the pots and without substrate because the rhizomes can't be buried.

 

[duanes]

I also agree with PFS, for a number of reasons.

Because PFS is graded to be backwashed, it is heavier than some other sand types, which allow it to quickly fall back, into place as opposed to some lighter weight sands (i.e. play sand) that get stirred up and sucked into filters, where it can ruin impellers.

Because sand does not have the same large interstitial spaces between grains, detritus does not as easily work its way into the substrate where it can decomposite, and allows it to sit long enough on the substrate surface, where it is visible and easily vacuumed off.

On the aethsetic side.....
It comes in mostly natural colors, which allows fish to show "their" natural colors,.....if sand is too white, or bright, fish like cichlid colors tend to wash out, because they instinctively (like chameleons) try to match their surroundings to be less visible to predators from above.. Or...

If sand is too dark, these same fish will often present unnaturally dark colors for the same reason as above,

And..... it is inexpensive, where I lived in Wi, a 50lb bag could be bought for around $5 -$8, at abrasive suppliers, or pool stores.

 

[duanes]

A couple examples

Above, an impeller destroyed by play sand, way back when I tried it.
Cichlids would spit the sand close filter intakes where it would get sucked in and wear away the impeller.
Below a 6 ft tank with one 50lb bag of PFS added as substrate, sand is about 1 inch deep.

I have found plants like Cryptocorne, and Vallisneria grow great in PFS

 

[aussieman57]

Agree Pool Filter Sand. The nicest one with the most natural color I have found is available at Ace hardware.

HTH Pool Care Pool Filter Sand 50 lb Mfr# 67120 - Ace Hardware

Transform your pool into a shimmering oasis with our top-of-the-line pool filter sand, featuring the exceptional HTH pool filter sand. Say goodbye to cloudy water and embrace a summer filled with the most inviting swimming experience. The secret lies in maintaining your sand pool filter's...

www.acehardware.com

 

[FJB]

HTH PFS is what I use as well, sometimes sprinkling a few pebbles just for looks. Excellent stuff. However, prices are way up from $5-8, more like $20 and above. Good stuff.

 

[MetalRavioli]

Agree Pool Filter Sand. The nicest one with the most natural color I have found is available at Ace hardware.

HTH Pool Care Pool Filter Sand 50 lb Mfr# 67120 - Ace Hardware

Transform your pool into a shimmering oasis with our top-of-the-line pool filter sand, featuring the exceptional HTH pool filter sand. Say goodbye to cloudy water and embrace a summer filled with the most inviting swimming experience. The secret lies in maintaining your sand pool filter's...

www.acehardware.com

THank you all for the suggestion! Ill definitely use PFS! Is there a size smaller than this? As 50 lbs seems like a lot for my tank

 

[MetalRavioli]

HTH PFS is what I use as well, sometimes sprinkling a few pebbles just for looks. Excellent stuff. However, prices are way up from $5-8, more like $20 and above. Good stuff.
View attachment 1510818

My god this tank looks beautiful! Do you use any co2?

 

[MetalRavioli]

Agree Pool Filter Sand. The nicest one with the most natural color I have found is available at Ace hardware.

HTH Pool Care Pool Filter Sand 50 lb Mfr# 67120 - Ace Hardware

Transform your pool into a shimmering oasis with our top-of-the-line pool filter sand, featuring the exceptional HTH pool filter sand. Say goodbye to cloudy water and embrace a summer filled with the most inviting swimming experience. The secret lies in maintaining your sand pool filter's...

www.acehardware.com

Does this sand have any chemicals/other stuff in it that's not safe for fish? Or can I do the good ol' rinse and it'll be alright?