Are these both Pool Filter Sand? Silica?

[aeri]

I currently have some sort of silica decor sand in my tank that I purchased from Home Depot as shown in pic1+2. And I just got a hold of some pool filter sand that came from a pool supply store as shown in pic3+4.

Based on the descriptions on the bag I can't really tell. However the pool filter sand appears to be a bit bigger and a bit more abrasive/jagged. Even though I've read that it's supposed to be smoother in comparison to regular silica sand.

Not sure if these two are the same sand or whatnot I can't really tell except for the fact that the regular silica sand feels and looks rounder, possibly because it's smaller. So I'm wondering if it's a good choice to remove all the sand I have in my tank now, and replace it with this new 'pool filter sand' that I got. I will be adding rays in the tank in a month or so, so I want to confirm...

Also, how would I go about removing all the sand in the tank without sucking it all into my sink?

 

[joey02]

First pic = NO

Second pic = YES

How i know = Read the label.


Both are safe though

Personally, i'd use the sand in the first pic because it would look nicer as it seems to be a more consident grade.

To siphon it with out it ending up in the sink, just do it lightly, you'll get the hang of it the first time.

But the pool fiter sand is a larger grade, allowing more water flow threw it, and it would be easier to vacuum and wouldnt cause as much of a mess when stirred up by fish or cleaning.

so i'd use the pool filter sand befor the other.....


whats it look like when you mix the two??? look ok? try that out...

 

[bigspizz]

First pic = NO

Second pic = YES

How i know = Read the label.


Both are safe though

Personally, i'd use the sand in the first pic because it would look nicer as it seems to be a more consident grade.

To siphon it with out it ending up in the sink, just do it lightly, you'll get the hang of it the first time.

But the pool fiter sand is a larger grade, allowing more water flow threw it, and it would be easier to vacuum and wouldnt cause as much of a mess when stirred up by fish or cleaning.

so i'd use the pool filter sand befor the other.....


whats it look like when you mix the two??? look ok? try that out...

Could you be more clear?...lol

 

[chesterthehero]

the first bag.. well.. you know about that since you are already using it


the pool filter sand is more like the sand they spread on roads in the winter (yer location is toronto.. so im going to guess you get that).. its a bit more granular (think coffee grounds)..
i really like the pool filter sand.. it looks more like ittybitty rocks than sand..

 

[aeri]

thanks for the replies

i could try and mix the two...and yes the first one seems to be smoother and consistent than the pool filter sand. although people have been saying that it's supposed to be one of the smoothest?
i'm mainly concerned about with one would be better for rays...so i'm confused since the first one looks and feels smoother, whereas everyone is saying that PFS is supposed to be smoother.

 

[chesterthehero]

dunno... its sand... as long as its not made of broken glass i dont think you have to stress it too much... i could be wrong though

 

[RedDevilDon2005]

super fine sand will compact and build up gasses that can harm your rays, mid size sand like the PFS works well

 

[I<3fish]

Can cement sand be used in aquarium as I have access to much of it at very cheap prices.

 

[Kolossus]

In regards to how to get the sand out of your tank, I took one of those large green nets and scooped the sand out into a bucket when turning a sand-filled tank into a bare-bottom...Probably a more efficient and safe way to remove the sand as opposed to trying to siphon the sand into your sink. I siphoned the rest of the sand particles once most of the sand was already out.

Most of the MFK ray experts say use PFS as opposed to silica so I would just go with strictly the PFS. There are some threads about it on here somewhere...you should find it if you do a search.