Pool filter sand
- Thread starter K626
- Start date
I’ve had pool filter sand in one of my tanks for the past two years and I haven’t had any problems. Just make sure to wash the sand very thoroughly before adding it into the pond
I figured it would be the safest bet considering the catfish would probably end up with anything larger in their belly. They're pretty large, large enough to where I'm worried about them actually trying to eat the lights we have in there.
Look at tractor supply and you should be able to find black blasting sand for $10 at 50 pounds. That’s what I’m using right now but it’s a lot finer than pool filter sand so it’s lighter so it may not be suitable for your needs depending on what your specific needs are comrade.
I would advise against black diamond sand. It’s so abrasive. I’ve had it chew up the skin of scaleless fish.
I love pool filter sand. It’s a vert nice sand. All purpose play sand it also really nice. And a great option if you want a natural look.
One thing to consider before putting anything on the bottom is how you clean the pond. Are you able to gravel vac? If you can then sand will be great, if not I would leave it bare.
I love pool filter sand. It’s a vert nice sand. All purpose play sand it also really nice. And a great option if you want a natural look.
One thing to consider before putting anything on the bottom is how you clean the pond. Are you able to gravel vac? If you can then sand will be great, if not I would leave it bare.
I've used pfs for years on many tanks never had issues with it.
Currently running using pfs
There is some black diamond blasting sand mixed in also on a few. There are a couple sizes of bdbs get the 30/40 and you won't have a weight issue with it. It may be a little more abrasive then the pfs. I've had it in tanks with puffers, synodontis cats never had an issue.
Pfs being a stark white for the most part may cause your fish to lighten in color, not actually show more contrast. That is why I usually end up mixing in some bdbs to give the pfs some depth of color.
I've tried play sand it's too fine for my liking too easily stirred up. Almost feels like mud when in a tank. I like the look of it when I see people using it. I just don't know how they keep it out of the pumps.
Currently running using pfs
There is some black diamond blasting sand mixed in also on a few. There are a couple sizes of bdbs get the 30/40 and you won't have a weight issue with it. It may be a little more abrasive then the pfs. I've had it in tanks with puffers, synodontis cats never had an issue.
Pfs being a stark white for the most part may cause your fish to lighten in color, not actually show more contrast. That is why I usually end up mixing in some bdbs to give the pfs some depth of color.
I've tried play sand it's too fine for my liking too easily stirred up. Almost feels like mud when in a tank. I like the look of it when I see people using it. I just don't know how they keep it out of the pumps.
I'm not putting a full substrate. Probably only a single grain thick so some black liner comes through. Eventually the giraffe cat will go in there as well. I'm not that worried about gravel vac, as it won't be deep enough to really hold anything. It will probably look very similar to mixing with black sand on the black bottom of the pond. I've never used it, so was wanting to make sure I wasn't making a huge mistake before I put it in there. Sand is really my only option as the catfish have a habit of ingesting rocks and gravel from stories I've seen.