So I'm planning my 300gal. My current 135 is bare bottom and it's just so ugly... Will pool filter sand work for the substrate in an overflow/sump system? Anyone use it or heard complaints?
Pool Sand as Substrate?
- Thread starter Cloudk
- Start date
Pool filter sand is the most common substrate used, works great, relatively inexpensive and heavy enough to stay put.
I started using PFS in most of my tanks about 30 years ago, and haven't looked back.
One of the reasons is because, for the most part, it doesn't allow detritus to fall between the cracks and decompose, because its density keeps particulate on the PFS surface.
This forces me to vacuum (if I don't want to see detritus), keeping water quality high,
Of course if you don't like to vacuum, and do water changes, this could be problematic.
Plants do pretty well in it too, although in my planted tanks, I mix in a little fluorite.
One of the reasons is because, for the most part, it doesn't allow detritus to fall between the cracks and decompose, because its density keeps particulate on the PFS surface.
This forces me to vacuum (if I don't want to see detritus), keeping water quality high,
Of course if you don't like to vacuum, and do water changes, this could be problematic.
Plants do pretty well in it too, although in my planted tanks, I mix in a little fluorite.
As Tom posted, PFS(pool filter sand) is extremely popular here on the forum. In case you're wondering, 2 bags will give you plenty of coverage for a 135gal and 4 for the 300gal. A 50lb bag is about $8 in my area.
I have pfs in my smaller tanks and it looks great. For my larger tank I use the holy grail of substrates....color quartz sand. I plaster pools and can get it for cheap and in plenty of colors: black, grey, white, blue, brown but red is more expensive cuz i'd have to get it from las vegas. If you're in Cali I can get you some. Otherwise pool filter sand will work and look great.
I had a big problem with it tearing up the bottom of my rays bellies. Caused a lot of irritation soars.