Opinions on different sands

[Omrit]

I am thinking of swapping my substrate out in preparation for my hap/peacock tank. I want a Malawi sand diver so sand he can use is a must.

Currently I have that black,white,brown river sand mix, I forget the exact name. I think it's closer to super tiny rocks than actual sand so not good for the sand diver probably. I don't think it is a color that suits my plans either so going to swap regardless.

I was thinking the standard pool filter sand (HTH Pool Filter Sand from home depot) or black diamond blasting sand: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ives-3905403?store=2174&gStoreCode=2174&gQT=1

Or is there a different substrate I should consider? I need to buy enough to fill a 72 inch x 26 inch area so was hoping to do it in an affordable way.

I am currently leaning towards the pool filter sand, my only concern is it being too white causing my fish to wash out? It has been a long time since I used pool filter sand. I hear complains about black causing them too darken in an ugly way as well though...

 

[DJRansome]

Definitely pool filter sand. I buy mine from the pool and spa chain stores (like Leslie's in NJ) and it comes in 50 pound bags...plenty.

My experience with colors of substrate impacting fish brilliance is the opposite. I had a group of leleupi over black that I sold because their color was sooty. I pulled them out of the main tank into an overnight holding tank with PFS for the buyer to pick up and they were brilliant.

 

[Omrit]

Definitely pool filter sand. I buy mine from the pool and spa chain stores (like Leslie's in NJ) and it comes in 50 pound bags...plenty.

My experience with colors of substrate impacting fish brilliance is the opposite. I had a group of leleupi over black that I sold because their color was sooty. I pulled them out of the main tank into an overnight holding tank with PFS for the buyer to pick up and they were brilliant.

Do you go for the bright white sand or the more yellowish? I think both options of pool filter sand are available.

 

[danotaylor]

I’ve kept fosso rostratus and they really do occasionally dive under the sand when spooked or trying be netted. I live in the US and use this #20 pool filter sand. Light enough to sift and dive into without cutting or scratching your fish, heavy enough not to instantly get sucked out when gravel vaccing

 

[Milingu]

Most blasting sand is too sharp for sand dwelling fish. The sand in most rivers and in the rift lakes is pretty round. The sharp sand can damage the fishes gills.

 

[Omrit]

I’ve kept fosso rostratus and they really do occasionally dive under the sand when spooked or trying be netted. I live in the US and use this #20 pool filter sand. Light enough to sift and dive into without cutting or scratching your fish, heavy enough not to instantly get sucked out when gravel vaccing

That sand is not available in my area although I could order it I suppose. Is it more yellow when wet? Maybe a picture of your tank perhaps if you do not mind ?

 

[danotaylor]

It’s a mix of colors from white to tan but it looks really nice IMO. I keep my tank lights on the dimmer side so the brightness doesn’t stress my fish out.

 

[duanes]

I also used PFS, worked great with Fossorochromis, and other sand divers.

 

[Sinister-Kisses]

That exact same AquaQuartz pool filter sand has been my go to for whenever I do a sand tank for probably a decade, if not longer. Including when my 8ft tank was set up for haps and housed 2 rostratus. Not using it currently, but I dug up a few pics of my tanks from the past that have used it.

 

[Americancichlidsaredabest]

I am thinking of swapping my substrate out in preparation for my hap/peacock tank. I want a Malawi sand diver so sand he can use is a must.

Currently I have that black,white,brown river sand mix, I forget the exact name. I think it's closer to super tiny rocks than actual sand so not good for the sand diver probably. I don't think it is a color that suits my plans either so going to swap regardless.

I was thinking the standard pool filter sand (HTH Pool Filter Sand from home depot) or black diamond blasting sand: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...ives-3905403?store=2174&gStoreCode=2174&gQT=1

Or is there a different substrate I should consider? I need to buy enough to fill a 72 inch x 26 inch area so was hoping to do it in an affordable way.

I am currently leaning towards the pool filter sand, my only concern is it being too white causing my fish to wash out? It has been a long time since I used pool filter sand. I hear complains about black causing them too darken in an ugly way as well though...

I used that exact brand of diamond blasting sand and I’ve had no issues with it. I tried white pool filter but that washed my fish’s colors out.