Dark coarse sand?

[Wesley M]

I really want to do sand in my 85 gallon aquarium. But I have ciclids in there very active and I don't want to have cloudy water problems. So I want to get a more course sand, but here's the dilemma. I have yet to find a coarse sand that is dark and I really want dark sand. Does anybody know of a dark sand like really dark, that is very course? Like dark brown to black. Preferably darker brown. But I'm open to anything.

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[boldtogether]

That sir is the $64,000 question!
I have seen what's called "nickel slag" and black blasting media but these seem to raise controversy when dealing with certain species. I have had the Tahitian moon sand but that is very fine. The #12 size you most likely are refering to can be approximated with the blasting media but I heard it comes very dirty and needs tons of prep before tank safe. You might get lucky at a rock quarry or local, non-chain, building supply. Some people have used what's called garnet sand and it has a very natural, dark brown look.
Whatever you end up doing, or finding, please share with the rest of us...especially if it is a natural substrate.
God luck.

 

[Gill Blue]

ceramaquartz, spectraquartz. or color quartz if you can find it, it's been discontinued but some places still have stock. they have different grades and different colors, including a nice black.
some pool manufacturers and garage flooring places carry it, or you can contact the manufacturers direct. shipping is expensive though.