Comparison of sand

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MandM614

Gambusia
MFK Member
Sep 23, 2011
247
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Colorado
The only sand I have experience with is the black sand that Petco sells, its pretty pricey but I like the texture and the fact its 100% safe. I need to set up a new tank immediately when I get home on Sunday and I wanted to try something different maybe. What is the actual texture of POOL filter sand in comparison to the Petco stuff? Is it the same just cheaper? Can it be bought at Home Depot/Lowe's? I've seen a lot of threads about this is better or that is better but never a side by side comparison of different sands

Thanks guys

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Leslies pool filter sand. 8$ for 50lbs:

IMAG0362_zpsd7660a9e.jpg


Make sure to rinse well, water will be clear 5 min:

IMAG0367_zps9c5da558.jpg



IMAG0530_zpsbd4dc812.jpg


Go S. Vettel #1 rb8
 
What's the consistancy of the grain and color like? Can I get it from Home Depot/Lowe's?

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It's 20 grain sand, meaning its decent size, particles are like smaller nerds candy, very heavy, doesn't float doesn't cloud, use it on all my tanks. Hardware stores usually have paver and play sand which is smaller grains.

You should have a leslies pool supply or lees pool supply stores around you, any pool store has pool filter sand. Very cheap and economical.


Go S. Vettel #1 rb8
 
1lb per gallon on a 55?

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Use silca sand instead of pool sand. It's a fine grained sand, white as snow, easier to clean. However it takes awhile for the tank to become crystal clear. I compacts really well thus not allowing the fish waste to penetrate it. the waste sits directly on top of the sand and easier to remove during the water changes. I found it at a place that sells pools and hot tubs. It is cheap $5 for a 75 lb bag
 
fishman61 said:
Use silca sand instead of pool sand. It's a fine grained sand, white as snow, easier to clean. However it takes awhile for the tank to become crystal clear. I compacts really well thus not allowing the fish waste to penetrate it. the waste sits directly on top of the sand and easier to remove during the water changes. I found it at a place that sells pools and hot tubs. It is cheap $5 for a 75 lb bag
Click to expand...

All sand compacts and silicia or play sand it a terrible idea and advice. It will clog filters, impellers and cloud non stop. Pfs all the way IME


Go S. Vettel #1 rb8
 
I use canister filters in both of my tanks, never had a problem with silica sand clogging up in them. Been using silica sand past 3 years. The intake hose is about 8" above the sand base. I use (2) filstar xp3's in each of my tanks, 125 & 150. Water crystal clear in 2 weeks.
 
Well pfs is silica sand.. Bu I stick by f1 side on this, pfs is by far the best quality for the price. You will not regret it trust us.
 
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