play sand or pool sand?

[benito1188]

which one do you like better?

looking for something i can eventually plant plants in(not going eco complete, flourite, etc)

which one has bigger grains?

photo?

thanks

PS and whats a silica sand? is that better?

 

[JK47]

PFS has a larger grain size and will support plants better IMO than the play sand. There needs to me some room between grains for the root system to be able to pull in nutrients effectivly. I have used aquarium sand, PFS, play sand and quickcrete. The aquarium sand is my fav but PFS is second...

 

[benito1188]

where can i get aquarium sand? most sand in fish stores are live sand.

im only doing a bed of 1.5" maybe 2 so i wont get air pockets(hopefully)

 

[JK47]

where can i get aquarium sand? most sand in fish stores are live sand.

im only doing a bed of 1.5" maybe 2 so i wont get air pockets(hopefully)

Most LFS should have it if they sell FW fish. It's not as cheap - $0.50 per pound locally but I no longer keep PFS because I like this stuff much better. Much heavier grain. It's funny, everyone spends tons on their filtration but cheaps out on substrate. I lik(ed) the PFS but the aquarium sand looks better and is heavier so IMO is superior... I especially like it when doing a WC. I can dig in my python and vac this stuff pretty heavy. I do between 2"-3" though. The larger the grain, the less worry you have about gas pockets. (which I have never worried about anyway BTW)

 

[benito1188]

Most LFS should have it if they sell FW fish. It's not as cheap - $0.50 per pound locally but I no longer keep PFS because I like this stuff much better. Much heavier grain. It's funny, everyone spends tons on their filtration but cheaps out on substrate. I lik(ed) the PFS but the aquarium sand looks better and is heavier so IMO is superior... I especially like it when doing a WC. I can dig in my python and vac this stuff pretty heavy. I do between 2"-3" though. The larger the grain, the less worry you have about gas pockets. (which I have never worried about anyway BTW)

mmmi need to find this aquarium sand your talking about.

now whats a silica sand?

 

[JK47]

mmmi need to find this aquarium sand your talking about.

now whats a silica sand?

Short answer: Silica is the base in most sands that are FW safe. Let me help you, "411" this place:
"Cayes tropical fish" in Portland (or Gresham, it's on Division street) Oregon. Ask them what FW sand they sell. It's only one brand and it freakin awesome. Track it down from there. I will be buying another 200 lbs from them for my new 300g I got today. Trust me it's the best.

I'll see if I can drum up a pic of the 220g for you. Gimme a minute....

 

[benito1188]

you are the best!

 

[JK47]

Here is the sand I was talking about in my 220 gallon. Like I said, everyone spends allot on their filters/UV but saves cash on sand but this is so much better. I'll let you be the judge. thoughts?

 

[benito1188]

Here is the sand I was talking about in my 220 gallon. Like I said, everyone spends allot on their filters/UV but saves cash on sand but this is so much better. I'll let you be the judge. thoughts?

View attachment 490438

OMG planning to go to leslie's pool tomo but your a life saver! im so calling this place in portland tomo thanks sooo much! your the best!

btw 50c/;b is not bad compare to those fancy ADA sand

 

[JK47]

Piece of advice, spend some cash and buy some sand you are happy with..... The wood, we spend a ton, the FX5's, we spend a ton, the fish we spend a ton, why not be happy with the sand. It's a bigger deal than most make it out but they spend little on the substrate. Changing is a PITA so get what you want now and save some headache later.... GL