Pool filter sand

[duanes]

Been using PFS in tanks since the 80s, it is my favorite substrate for many reasons.
Heavy/dense enough to not get easily stirred up, some of the commercial types are very clean from the get go, so doesn't need much rinsing, and where I lived, about $5 per 50lb bags, to name a few.

 

[parrthed]

I use PFS in a few tanks and have no issues. Got mine at Leslie’s as well. I use Paver Sand (Pavestone brand from HD) in my new tanks, like the darker brown color and the variations in small pebbles mixed in make it look really natural. I have also used the black blasting sand from tractor supply in some African tanks and it worked out really well.

 

[fishhead0103666]

I would advise against black diamond sand. It’s so abrasive. I’ve had it chew up the skin of scaleless fish.

Would you mind sharing your story and explaining exactly what went down? I’m curious and it might help someone down the road who reads this thread.

 

[MrsE88]

Would you mind sharing your story and explaining exactly what went down? I’m curious and it might help someone down the road who reads this thread.

I had a green spotted puffer in a tank with black diamond sand. He’s skin got very scuffed up from it. He had a habit of making lines in the sand. After I switched to all purpose play sand his skin cleared up and went back to normal.
Unfortunately I’m not finding any pictures to show what happened:/
I still have the bd sand in my african tank. I’ve never had issues with scaled fish and that sand. The sand does show debris worse then any other substrate I’ve had though. I’m not loving that. Haha.