I'm going to visit my girlfriend for the weekend, and I'll be stopping at Petco while I'm there. It's about three and a half hours from my house. I'm picking my 80 gallon up next weekend. It already comes with filter, heater, lights, stand, etc. I want to pick up some sand, since I know Elephant Nose fish need a soft substrate. Is there a specific sand anyone would recommend? I'd really like something white or pinkish in color if at all possible. Are there any testing kits, chlorine removers, chemicals, etc you would recommend I pick up? I want to make sure I have absolutely everything I need before I set up my tank, cycle it, and add my elephant nose.
Going to Petco tomorrow
- Thread starter Paperlantern4
- Start date
Any sand that PetCo carries should be fine. You might have a difficult time finding it in pink, but white is readily available.
As far as test kits, get the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. I have one and it has tests for pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate. Best dechlorinator/conditioner imho is Seachem Safe, but if you have a smaller tank ie your 80 gallon I would get Seachem Prime.
If you are going to be reusing your old filters or transferring biomedia from your old filter to your new there is no need to worry about cycling your new tank. If not I'd recommend Seachem Stability to get your new tank started.
As far as test kits, get the API Freshwater Master Test Kit. I have one and it has tests for pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate. Best dechlorinator/conditioner imho is Seachem Safe, but if you have a smaller tank ie your 80 gallon I would get Seachem Prime.
If you are going to be reusing your old filters or transferring biomedia from your old filter to your new there is no need to worry about cycling your new tank. If not I'd recommend Seachem Stability to get your new tank started.
hahaha You wrote pretty much exactly what I was going to write. Im too slow I guess. lol
Pool filter sand is a lot cheaper and also looks more natural.
Pool filter sand is a lot cheaper and also looks more natural.
PFS, while defniitely cheaper, is not very soft and is very grainy. I use to have it and ended up getting rid of it all because it was too abrasive on some of my bottom dwellers. If that is not a major concern, then go with the PFS because as stated above it has a more natural look to it.
Not all PFS is the same though, just like most things you need to check out what you're buying beforehand. Mine is actually finer and softer than most bagged sand from box stores.
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If you want a more natural look "all purpose sand" at any hardware store is usually around $5 for 50 lbs.
White substrate gets pooped on. Poop is brown. You then have brown substrate. I wouldn't worry white vs off white.
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