Help choosing sand for the tank

[Ruturaj]

I picked on grain size. Its listed as .5mm to 2mm.

Thanks, so larger grain size is better? I assume it's still small enough to not catch dirt in it like gravel does.

 

[Ruturaj]

The best substrate I have ever had is the $4/bag Argonite.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/caribsea-aragonite-aquarium-sand-10-lbs-2153529?cm_mmc=PSH-_-GGL-_-CAL-_-PME-_-PET-_-AQU-_-0-_-PTC_P_SUP_LIA-GG_FY19_SBU05_Companion_Animal_BOPIS-_-Local_Inventory_Ads-_-0&kpid=go_6471950367_76332473423_380230977733_pla-324731645754_m&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_LIA-GG_FY19_SBU05_Companion_Animal_BOPIS&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI38fsrN7q6AIVXPzjBx170A3PEAQYAyABEgKKP_D_BwE

It looks like it is $5/bag now, but well worth it.

Thanks but Aragonite raise KH and pH. I have those at sufficient level in the tank.

 

[Ruturaj]

CEMEX has several sands that I have used. Lapis Lustre in my 55g planted and Ozark brown in my 29g planted.
I used 100lb commercial grade silica sand with the 220g and 100g. It is not as fine as the play sand.
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/my-silver-dollar-sps.728530/

Looks good. Will try to find it nearby or LFS.

 

[fishguy1978]

Looks good. Will try to find it nearby or LFS.

I found it at a gravel supply. Not sure an LFS will carry. Try a search for sand blasting media.

 

[Jexnell]

Thanks, so larger grain size is better? I assume it's still small enough to not catch dirt in it like gravel does.

Normally it settles on the top of the sand. Unless of you got digger cichlids. They may bury on accident. To prevent any gas buildup all you need to do is probe your figures into the sand, that will release any trapped gas. Do half the tank a month or so. I do it out of precaution due to insane digging fish.

Most of the sand from the back of the tank he has moved to the front. I have when its flat an inch of sand.

You can use the gravel vac on the sand as well just watch that you don't plug it up.

 

[fishguy1978]

Here is my 100g Shellie tank with commercial grade sand. It is only an inch or so deep when level.

 

[Ash]

I never bought the quartz online usually picked it up at a warehouse or distributer. It’s quartz that’s used to mix in the concrete when they build pools. 3M used to make it, then permacolor, color quartz and Estes. It’s usually $25 for a 50lb bag. Their websites usually list where you can buy. Estes has this. Usually there are granular size options. I happen to luck out and found a place by me with a stash of 3M quartz and bought a bunch.
Estes here
As for the torpedo, I went based off size. I like the color too. I usually stick with what’s less likely to float and get into my filters. Obviously everyone has a different experience.

 

[Ash]

This is in one of my old tanks. I have an orange/red mix too.
You got some good suggestions going in here, hopefully you will find what works for you!

 

[Ruturaj]

I went with, $73 on amazon for 50 pounds

Peace River
Typical Size: 1.0 - 2.0mm

 

[FINWIN]

My favorite sand, in numerous colors. You'd want the floral sand as its made for plant roots. Also takes far less than sand calculators say because of air space between grains. Resembles coarse sugar crystals:

Best Sand ever!!

Bored with the regular black or white options for sand? Did some research last year and found the pefect sand for aquariums. A Canadian company called SANDTASTIK sells floral and play sand. The sand comes in 31 colors including earth tones, neutrals, brights, and flourescents. I ordered the...

www.monsterfishkeepers.com

Can make nice mixes too, for texture and poop hiding, lol.