goin to sand

[bryan.olsen]

so im thinkin i want to go over to sand, currently i have about 120lbs of sand/cruched coral/gravel
i was thinkin of goin a few different directions, 1) get new sand 2) try to sift the larger particals out of my current sand...
3) say F-it and go with my next idea, marble or granite tile completely covering the bottom.
so i like the look of sand and i dont like the look of my current substrate with the floresent gravel mixed in...any ideas,tips,advice?

 

[sma]

if it isn't to much a pain to get the sand out of the crush coral/graval then get that. If it's tough, then get pool filter sand. The marble/granite tile is nice but i personally prefer sand.

 

[TheOscarGuy]

1) get new sand 2) try to sift the larger particals out of my current sand...
3) say F-it and go with my next idea, marble or granite tile completely covering the bottom.

Bryan,
I personally think it might be too much pain sifting through and getting the larger particles out. I would simply get new sand instead.
I made the switch (from pea-sized gravel to pool filter sand) and am definitely happy with the new look. The sand particles are heavy enough, and don't make my AC 'rattle'.
Haven't looked at marble-/granite-bottom tank, so can't comment on that.

 

[bigspizz]

Sounds like weekend project time! the time we all love to hate...Use 2, 5 gal buckets fill one with old mix, get a strainer, run the water in the empty bucket strain sand and it will drop toss rock wherever repeat 100 times and post some much deserved celebratory pics!

 

[hillbilly]

Here's a tip if you want to add sand to a tank that has water in it. Get a piece of 3" or 4" pvc pipe long enough to reach the bottom with the other end out of the water, and slowly pour your sand down the pipe. Move the pipe, pour some more. Takes 2 people, but it keeps you from making a huge mess in your tank if you can't empty it of water. It's not too bad removing gravel from a tank with a fine mesh net either.

 

[bryan.olsen]

hey , i like that pvc idea, i think im gonna give it a try.well ill at least start and if it feels like a pain in the ass ill just go buy some filter sand. when its done you'll definately see some pix