Sand in aquariums

[Loon36cf]

I have been looking at a lot of your tanks and see a bunch with sand I was told by a friend he didn't like it cause it was hard to clean but I love the way it looks. Just looks more natural any suggestions or tips or even what kind of sand you guys use? Would be a huge help
Thanks

[four_by_ken]

I have used both the aquarium sand and also play sand.  I didnt find any difference other than the aquarium sand was ridiculously expensive.

I find it easier to take care of... the fish waste doesnt get down in the sand like it does with the gravel.  The filter tends to be able to pick up more of the fish waste because of this.

The part I dont like is the sand that ends up in the filters.  Will go through impellers quicker with sand.

[Steve]

I use Commercial grade paver sand from Home Depot which is the best bang for the buck ($3.40 per 50lb bag) and comes in White(fine grit size) or tan(medium grit size) as Ken said I think it is easier to clean since waste stays on top. I haven't had any issues with my canister filters so far with using sand (going on 7 months now). Just remember to keep the intake up off the sand bed about 4-5" high, and shut the filters off when you do any tank cleaning and you'll be fine.

[four_by_ken]

I think part of the reason I get sand in my filter is the Albus... they sift sand constantly. 

[Loon36cf]

Ya I usually keep my intakes about 5 inches from the bottom and it looks like ill have to go check out some sand this weekend. Do you know if there's a black sand as well? Sorry I didn't do much research yet wanted to get all of your opinions first cause in one if my tanks is the eco complete and that would be crazy expensive to fill a 125 or 150

[linuxrulesusa]

Petco sells black sand that's pretty good.  But expensive as well - like $17 for a 20lb bag.

Some people use Black Diamond blasting sand...but that can be sharp and/or have unknown things in it, so do that at your own risk.  If it's for fish digging, it's probably OK.  For sand sifters like geophagus or some of the Tanganyikans, I'd avoid it.

I prefer pool filter sand - still cheap, at $8 or so for 50 lbs, from say Leslie's or another pool supply store.  But also heavy enough to mostly stay on the bottom and usually clean enough I can throw it right in the tank with minimal rinsing.  Compared to play sand that takes potentially hours of rinsing to get the cloudiness out.

[Crfish]

I prefer pool filter sand - still cheap, at $8 or so for 50 lbs, from say Leslie's or another pool supply store.  But also heavy enough to mostly stay on the bottom and usually clean enough I can throw it right in the tank with minimal rinsing.  Compared to play sand that takes potentially hours of rinsing to get the cloudiness out.

Agreed just put that in my new 75 looks great took no time to clean and was cheap the fish love it too!

[four_by_ken]

Just be aware that the pool filter sand is white... which shows all the fish waste.

[linuxrulesusa]

Just be aware that the pool filter sand is white... which shows all the fish waste.

It varies from brand to brand.  Leslie's pool sand from the store in my area is more a tan color; some pool sand I got via RichEmmers is almost bright white.  It depends a lot on what supplier is being used by the pool supply company.

[Super Turtleman]

I prefer pool filter sand because as stated, it stays down and out of the filters better. But it tends to be a lighter color than regular play sand.

You can find Tahitian Moon Sand, which is black, but is very expensive. I bought 3 bags before from Big Al's and felt I got a good deal with free shipping. It was like $23 a bag.

[Steve]

PFS and the Home Depot commercial grade paver Medium grit are actually the exact same thing, you just pay a bit more for the PFS package/bag 

[Super Turtleman]

PFS and the Home Depot commercial grade paver Medium grit are actually the exact same thing, you just pay a bit more for the PFS package/bag 

Good to know...

[African cichlid Keeper]

I use Carib Sea Eco-Complete Cichlid Sand.

http://www.bigalspets.com/eco-complete-cichlid-sand-20-lb.html?utm_source=Shopping&utm_campaign=Shopping+Datafeed&utm_medium=Comparison+Shopping&

[Loon36cf]

Ya I have to eco complete cichlid substate but it was 25 bucks a bag and I don't want to fill a 90 and 125 with that stuff that would be way too expensive I'm gonna go check out the different kinds of sand at Home Depot this weekend thank you guys and gals for the help

[djlamonica]

I switched to play sand in a few of my tanks and hated it.  Hated it so much I took it all out and went back to gravel.  Maybe I didn't wash well enough.  But I would strongly suggest staying away from play sand.