How much pool filter sand?

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blacktip

Fire Eel
MFK Member
May 22, 2005
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I have decided I want to replace the riverrock with pool filter sand in my 200. The base dimensions of the tank are 8' x 2'. How many pounds of sand will I need to get a nice 1" - 1 1/2" base?

Thanks in advance.
 
I would start with 5-6 bags...that should be plenty. my 300 used 10 bags for an 8x3ish footprint and its way too thick.
I did a 90 surfline with less than 3 and i think my 135 only took 3 or 4 at the max.
 
Thanks, Levi. I'm thinking of mixing it with the river rock, so I'm probably gonna start with 100lbs and see how that looks.
 
I'm guessing that will look sweet! I did the same thing in a smaller tank and once it all settled it looked very nice. plus if you have "diggers" it will be constantly changing
 
Howdy,

Things are so much easier in metric :grinyes:

The volume in dm^3 equals liters, and a liter of sand weighs about 2 kg.

1'' high = 38 l = 84 lbs
1.5'' = 57 l = 125 lbs

HarleyK



ps
since I am in fundamental opposition to rallysman's pool filter sand advocacy (just because), I have to strongly advise you to use the superior "washed playsand" .......... or I will have to call the A-Team :mr-t:
 
HarleyK said:
ps
since I am in fundamental opposition to rallysman's pool filter sand advocacy (just because), I have to strongly advise you to use the superior "washed playsand" .......... or I will have to call the A-Team :mr-t:


Change the ps to bs;)
Why go through the washing hassle when you dont have to (nearly as much anyway). Plus i think pool filter sand looks better, its a little more coarse with some slightly different colors

I know i know....personal preference haha
 
I used playsand in my 100 and it took forever to get it clean enough. Therefore, I figured I would try the pool filter sand this time. Plus, I really like the look of Rallysman's sand.

EDIT: Thanks for the mathematical calculations Harley. It looks like 50 pounds mixed with the river rock might work out to be enough.
 
rallysman said:
Change the ps to bs;)
:ROFL:

I used "washed playsand" (as in "it comes washed and screened"). Whatever clay is left helps my plants, but it doesn't cloud the water. I just like to take opposition whenever the sand debate comes up, and that's about every other day.

Matter of fact, I don't even think there is too much of a difference in sand ... as long as it's sand and not gravel, we're in the same boat. But people are so adamant about it.

BTW: Why is :mr-t: listed under smilies?! He's not smiling!

HarleyK
 
HarleyK said:
:ROFL:

I used "washed playsand" (as in "it comes washed and screened"). Whatever clay is left helps my plants, but it doesn't cloud the water. I just like to take opposition whenever the sand debate comes up, and that's about every other day.

Matter of fact, I don't even think there is too much of a difference in sand ... as long as it's sand and not gravel, we're in the same boat. But people are so adamant about it.

BTW: Why is :mr-t: listed under smilies?! He's not smiling!

HarleyK

I'm just messing with you :woot: I know every time a sand question comes up i scream pool filter and you scream play. :grinyes:

MR T was always grinning on the inside. :headbang2
 
HarleyK said:
I used "washed playsand" (as in "it comes washed and screened"). Whatever clay is left helps my plants, but it doesn't cloud the water. I just like to take opposition whenever the sand debate comes up, and that's about every other day.

Where did you find washed play sand? I have never seen anything like that around here. Anyhow, my RTC won't let me keep live plants in this tank, so the extra clay is not an issue. Thanks again for the input. When I go to add more sand to my 100, I'll have to look a bit harder for the washed play sand.
 
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