another substrate thread

[Nick660]

I took ages trying to find a suitable substrate for my rays. I wanted fine, smooth, attractive gravel which the rays could bury into, wouldn't stick to or harm them, and wouldn't get into my filters! Eventually decided on Caribsea "Peace River" only to find that it's not available in the UK

In the end I went for a sugar-grain size river sand that my LFS was using for their long term rays which were looking very clean and healthy......only thing was that it's sold as silica sand! In fact, when i handled the sand it felt smooth-ish rather than too abrasive or sharp and it seems to be working out OK......apart from the fact some of it still ends up in my filters settling in the bottom of the canister. Never reaches the impellers though.

 

[stingrayguy]

JUST GO WITH ESTES!!

 

[sixpack_ey]

JUST GO WITH ESTES!!

I just called estes and talked to two different people there and they said they wouldn't recommend using their sand in a freshwater aquarium because it would mess the ph up. It says on their website that they have a sand that doesn't buffer, but when I asked the girl on the phone she said no. I told her it was on their site and she transferred me to her manager and he said don't use it in freshwater.

 

[Bsixxx]

I just called estes and talked to two different people there and they said they wouldn't recommend using their sand in a freshwater aquarium because it would mess the ph up. It says on their website that they have a sand that doesn't buffer, but when I asked the girl on the phone she said no. I told her it was on their site and she transferred me to her manager and he said don't use it in freshwater.

all i have to say to that is ahaha

but seriously get some pool filter sand
sure its silica, but ive heard a bunch of people use this with no problems
i am using 20grade pool filter sand in my tank but i dont have rays yet

 

[jdepasqu2]

I just called estes and talked to two different people there and they said they wouldn't recommend using their sand in a freshwater aquarium because it would mess the ph up. It says on their website that they have a sand that doesn't buffer, but when I asked the girl on the phone she said no. I told her it was on their site and she transferred me to her manager and he said don't use it in freshwater.

I use estes and havent had a ph problem....

 

[sixpack_ey]

I'm not saying one way or the other, that's just what the people on the phone at the Estes company said.

 

[john C]

just ask your local lfs to see if they can order Carib sea (peace river) Carib sea is a large carrier of many substrates and aquarium supplies. i am thinking you should be able to find it.i know you can find it on e bay. i think i paid about $24.00 for a #20 lb bag. Estes sand, i would feel a lot more safe using that than pool filter sand. Carib sea also has sand for fresh water fish.
good luck

 

[stingrayguy]

my rays love it. Its great sand. you can clean it with a python! and it looks great. here is my tank with the white sand. (looks yellow cause my old MH had 6k bulbs)

 

[sixpack_ey]

Wow, I have that EXACT tank but smaller! Is that DAS? Wish I had the exact same rays as well! And, the sand looks great!

 

[stingrayguy]

yes its DAS. I got it from a LFS that went out. I wish i had the rays back also. They are with Mike now (csx) And are proud parents. Look in his threads for baby henlei.