Okay lets debate here,on which sand is better.what are the pros and cons of both sand and why you decicded to go with that substrate.
Play Sand VS Pool Sand
- Thread starter cichlidsguy
- Start date
pool sand. its already filtered for the most part so alot less work to get going with. also it tends to be a lighter color. and sometimes more fine.
Pool sand is a consistant size and pre-washed to remove contaminants.
Play sand has very few standards and varies a great deal in consistancy.
I realize we all want to save money where and when we can but This isn't the place to do it IMO.
Play sand has very few standards and varies a great deal in consistancy.
I realize we all want to save money where and when we can but This isn't the place to do it IMO.
I've used both and I really do like the look and "feel" of the pool filter sand better. The play sand is extremely dirty, and it's usually so fine that it looks "muddy" when it's in the tank. It's also more difficult to keep stirred.
IMO the pool filter sand looks much more natural, is cleaner, has a larger size grain, and is easier to maintain. (it also it's also harder to suck up into a python, but it can be done)
IMO the pool filter sand looks much more natural, is cleaner, has a larger size grain, and is easier to maintain. (it also it's also harder to suck up into a python, but it can be done)
Pool sand IMO far better. Larger particles and not sharp so won't hurt digging cichlids. Better color IMO. Already rinsed and ready to use. Play sand is nasty, but does look good when done. Sometimes not chemically inert as pool sand is always chemically inert. Pool sand is easier to clean with a siphon. Play Sand is too fine and gets sucked up quickly but pool sand particles are larger with more weight to hold down.
Actually, PFS is more sharp and jagged, this is how it packs more densly in the pool filter and is more effective.
Positives:
Like said above, PFS has a larger size, is more consistent, and cleaner. Play sand has a nicer colour...
Negatives:
PFS is too light for my liking. Play sand is too fine...
The fix:
I use mainly PFS, but add about 1/5 of very well washed all purpose sand (for use in concrete) to add some colour. This also has the effect of hiding some of the poop since the sand is no longer so white.
Burt
Positives:
Like said above, PFS has a larger size, is more consistent, and cleaner. Play sand has a nicer colour...
Negatives:
PFS is too light for my liking. Play sand is too fine...
The fix:
I use mainly PFS, but add about 1/5 of very well washed all purpose sand (for use in concrete) to add some colour. This also has the effect of hiding some of the poop since the sand is no longer so white.
Burt
Burtess;1077200; said:Actually, PFS is more sharp and jagged, this is how it packs more densly in the pool filter and is more effective.
Positives:
Like said above, PFS has a larger size, is more consistent, and cleaner. Play sand has a nicer colour...
Negatives:
PFS is too light for my liking. Play sand is too fine...
The fix:
I use mainly PFS, but add about 1/5 of very well washed all purpose sand (for use in concrete) to add some colour. This also has the effect of hiding some of the poop since the sand is no longer so white.
Burt
I find PFS to dark so I add pure white Ultra Reef sand in with it to brighten it up lol.
Has anyone tried oolytic sand in freshwater tanks? Its larger grained, less prone to packing, won't cause abrassion on burrowing fish, and has some buffering capability as well.