Pros and Cons about Pool Filter sand

[ryanc2106]

I might be getting some this weekend so i was wondering whats good about it whats bad about it? how u clean it? hows does it look with lava rock? etc. eyc.

and suggestions apreaciated ..oh and its for myy 60 gallon african tank.

thanks...

 

[K626]

Personally, I like the cichlid sand with lava rock. The contrasting colors of the two really bring out the colors on the fish. Just my opinion.

 

[ecoreeftech]

I use pool sand to save $$$ on substrates, and to make artifical rock with. You can get it in different colors. Just rinse it before you use it to get the dust out of it. It has a coarse grain structure which is great for the bacteria. If you want it a little more coarse, add some crushed oyster shell (chicken feed at the feed store). That is by far the least expensive way to go for a substrate. Mine works great in saltwater.

 

[midnight]

pf sand is great
in my diy link below is a thread on how i clean my sand

 

[paultl80]

I just switched to PFS. No complaints yet. I'll try the crushed oyster shell.

 

[ercnan]

Around here the stuff is bright white in the tank and makes the fish washed out looking.
I prefer a play sand/general purpose sand mix. More natural looking IMO.
Dirtier and longer to rinse, but darker in looks.

 

[ryanc2106]

well called four pool places and no PFS is more in the east?? thats what one guy said so i jsut might go with cichlid gravel or natural looking type sand..

thanks guys

 

[johnuskglass]

If you have a lowes they sell play sand for 2.75 for 50 pounds. I just bought some today.

 

[rallysman]

The only problem with using the play sand option is that it is very fine, dirty, and sometimes looks muddy when it's in the tank. Be careful with it because it's easier to get in filters too.

 

[BigJ]

Bare bottom tank is the only way to go just IMO.