Pool filter sand with New world cichlids?

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Experiment397

Experiment397

Redtail Catfish
MFK Member
Feb 26, 2010
2,815
959
150
Probably the Poly section
hey i was told to use pool filter sand instead of fish sand for my 125 new world cichlid setup and have a few questions: what brand do i buy, where do i get it, what can i expect to pay for it, how many pounds to make a 2-4 inch layer in a 72 x 24 x 18 , L x H x W, tank? and how long will it take to uncloud after i fill the tank? thnx
 
If you already have sand, why change it? (I believe ppl buy the pool sand because of price).

You can get it at Home Depot/ Lowes/ Pool Store......
 
five 50lb bags will suffice for 2", and up to ten bags for 4". Around here a pool supply store (Leslies Pool Supplies) sells it for around $5 a bag.

The good part about pool filter sand is that it is larger than play sand, and does not kick up as much. I would say maybe two days and a water change for it to completely settle.
 
Picked up some pool filter sand for my 75. I thought it would rinse clean, but after hours of rinsing sand, still brown water. Just can't figure it out.

Just went today for home depot silica sand and appears to rinse out better.

Is it a bad thing if fish kick up the sand??
 
For a 72 x 18 footprint 100 lbs would be plenty. Expect to pay 10 to 15 bucks a bag (50lbs). The brand doesn't really matter.
 
so how deep of a layer would 100 lbs make? i just want it about 2-3inches sorry i hit the 4 instead of the 3 last time. also does anyone know the brand? thnx
 
50 lbs was enough to have about 1 1/2" in my 48 x 24 120 gal. Your footprint is slightly larger so 100 lbs will get you to 2" easy. Closer to 3". Brand isn't important. It will clearly be labeled as "pool filter sand".
 
ok thank you sooo much coues. i will buy about 150 so i have some backup sand, and just get any pool filter sand. thnx sooo much...
 
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