Switching from gravel to sand.

[Freshwater4Life]

So im switching over to sand (pool filter sand ) from gravel. First time using sand. Really like the asthetics of it. Anyways wondering how much to cover a 220 gallon (72"x24") tank . Looking for about an inch of coverage. Found this calculator online that said a 100 pounds will do it . That sound correct ? Any other advice is welcome too thanks.

 

[Lepisosteus]

yeah around 100-120lbs will do

 

[Def Leppard Hysteria]

I always like to have some sand left over. So, I'd get 3 - 50 lb bags. I just bought 4 - 50 lb bags for our 265 gallon tank. Plus, I had about 3/4 of a bag left over from our 300 gallon tank.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

Clean it very well because you don't want all of it clogging your filter the fine particles that float up. My pool filter sand was super easy to clean compared to an aquatic black sand I had in another tank.

My cichlids just recently since breeding moved half the sand to the other side. I moved it back twice and they keep on moving it lol.

 

[Freshwater4Life]

Thanks for the all advice guys. I actually got 200 pounds so if anyone wants any sand in the area it's yours for free lol. Yea I'm currently washing the hell out of it now. What do y'all suggest for cleaning it once it's inside the tank like for regular maintenance ?

 

[tlindsey]

Thanks for the all advice guys. I actually got 200 pounds so if anyone wants any sand in the area it's yours for free lol. Yea I'm currently washing the hell out of it now. What do y'all suggest for cleaning it once it's inside the tank like for regular maintenance ?

Just treat it the same as with gravel, just pinch or bend, or raise tube of the vacuum gravel cleaner if you see the tube fill with sand. The sand will drop back in place.

 

[Freshwater4Life]

Sweet thanks !

 

[Freshwater4Life]

Is taking awhile to clean this stuff tho. Not sure the water will ever run completely clear out of it lol.

 

[xraycer]

Since the poops sits right on top of the sand, I just skim the hose right over the top of the sand.

If you plan to do over a 2" layer, you'll want to sift through the entire substrate about once a month to prevent anaerobic areas from developing

 

[Ihsnshaik]

Since the poops sits right on top of the sand, I just skim the hose right over the top of the sand.

If you plan to do over a 2" layer, you'll want to sift through the entire substrate about once a month to prevent anaerobic areas from developing

Or get a sting ray