Best Substrate option

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

i use pool filter sand

 

[heavyhitter]

Hey Everyone,

I have been pondering for about a week now as far as which substrate to use for my tank, and where I would be able to purchase it.

I am setting up a 75 gallon central/south american cichlid tank, and I would like to use sand. I would prefer a lighter color as I think it looks cleaner.

I like this sand, but it may be too light and a bit on the expensive side:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...d__20lb?&query=substrate&queryType=0&offset=0

On the other hand, it has bacteria already living in the sand, which would mean no rinsing needed, so it would be a lot easier.

I have read about play sand, or pool filter sand, and from what I understand it works well, but needs to be thoroughly rinsed. Any photos of how this looks, and also where to obtain it?

I will not be using live plants, probably just a few pieces of driftwood that will be soaking starting tonight.

Thanks in advance!

I prefer gravel with these fish. Also depending on your filtration I would also look at gravel. A 75 is not very deep and sand getting kicked up and dug up and get sucked into your filter and wreak havoc on your impeller.

 

[cichla81]

i have got play sand in mine, 100 lbs for 7 bucks, cant beat it. looks natural but it does take some rinsing. i will never buy substrate from an lfs again.

 

[Deaths Sting]

just use pool filter sand. or if ur budget is a little higher and u wanna go all out in color go for the 3M colorquartz S grade or the T grade if u want more of a gravel like substrate

http://www.ocpoolremodel.com/3M_colorquartz.htm

 

[amv123]

i have got play sand in mine, 100 lbs for 7 bucks, cant beat it. looks natural but it does take some rinsing. i will never buy substrate from an lfs again.

i agree...i went to my local nursery and bought 50lbs of play sand for 8 bucks and i love how it looks...petco sells 10lbs for like 9 dollars

 

[heavyhitter]

i have got play sand in mine, 100 lbs for 7 bucks, cant beat it. looks natural but it does take some rinsing. i will never buy substrate from an lfs again.

Yea they are a rip.

Gravel can be bought for $2.50 a 50lb bag at any home improvement center.

 

[BigDaddyMagnum]

pool sand is what i sware buy, its awsome....

 

[packer43064]

Bare bottom tank, easy to keep up with.

 

[chesterthehero]

since you like the look of the light colored fine grain sand... you are better off ($$$) with light colored play sand... its a bit of a pain to rinse (strainer, bucket, hose, 1hour, DONE) but it looks nice and is as easy as any other sand to clean...

as far as the whole "its magic sand that algae will not grow on and makes it so your tank does not need to be cycled" part..... well... IMO sounds like BS...
white sand tends to pick up a "tan" look to it after a while (seen a few threads where this is mentioned, have not personaly delt with white sand so i can not confirm this im just telling you what i remember reading somewhere)

i use pool sand and its friggin great ($8-50lbs)