How many lbs of sand/gallon?

[hmoobvwj]

I have a 180g (6x2x2) and planning on converting it into black sand instead of black gravel, but i need to know how many lbs of sand i should buy. I heard someone once said to me that i should do 5lb/gallon but if that is the case then that is going to be A LOT of sand.
Thanks

 

[Angler]

5 lbs a gallon? Holy crap, that would be a lot of sand. I don't like sand very deep. I have 100 lbs in my 125. I think 150 lbs should be sufficient for your 180.

 

[hmoobvwj]

Thanks, BTW how deep is that 100lb sand bed in your 125g? I would like at least 1-2" Deep in my 180g.

 

[Angler]

Here is a pic:

It is hard to tell depth by the pic, but I'd say it is definitely at least 1-2" deep.

 

[Knowdafish]

See this link. http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/calculator.php

Scroll all the way down for the sand calculator

 

[hmoobvwj]

MOST helpful from you both! Thanks

 

[dragonfish]

I wouldn't go with more than one pound per gallon.

 

[koop171]

I have a little less then a lb. a gal in my 125 just enough to get some sand over the trim.

 

[pcfriedrich]

I have 50 lbs in my 55 (4'x1'). its more than enough. 2.5"-3" deep.

 

[Alan Russell]

5 lbs per gallon? That doesn't even make sense. Using that rule that would mean my 125 gallon tall would require the same amount of gravel/sand as my 125 long. Despite the fact the tall has 288 square inches less floor space.