I'm at lowes now is play sand good for my tank??
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Quick play sand question!!
- Thread starter Joecool44
- Start date
I have used pool filter sand in my tanks for years. You need to clean it EXTREMELY well before you put it into the tank because it contains lots of dust and dirt that mix into the water. The stuff i use is no longer available so im not sure what the best DIY sand on the market is at this time but im sure someone else can comment on that.
There are 2 problems with play sand.
When new, it is very light and is easily stirred up, because of this, it can enter pump volutes and ruin pumps.
After some time in the tank, it tends to compact and become like cement, and adhere to the glass.
When new, it is very light and is easily stirred up, because of this, it can enter pump volutes and ruin pumps.
After some time in the tank, it tends to compact and become like cement, and adhere to the glass.
Ok I just mixed it in and the water turned completely black and brown does it do tht usally when it's in the bucket?
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Thats why pool filter sand works better. Play sand will have a lot more dust/dirt. Even with PFS i had to wash it out with maybe 50+ gal of water with 1-2 hours of mixing and cleaning. Its takes a lot of work to clean it out but after you do it comes out nice.
After like 4 years of getting on my nerves I can finally say that I like play sand.
Even after an extraordinary amount of rinsing it was still dusty and silty in the tank. After a long time it was fine, I like it. ... but I'd never ever do it again
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Even after an extraordinary amount of rinsing it was still dusty and silty in the tank. After a long time it was fine, I like it. ... but I'd never ever do it again
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When I tried play sand, this is what happened to my pump impeller.
the shaft is supposed to be equal diameter throughout.
Because I have medium sized cichlids, their normally activity would stir it up, and it would get sucked up into filters, and eat away at pumps.
To me it is not worth the trouble.
PFS is much heavier, enough so, that normal fish activity does not allow it to be sucked up. Well worth the extra dollar or 2 for a 50lb bag.
the shaft is supposed to be equal diameter throughout.
Because I have medium sized cichlids, their normally activity would stir it up, and it would get sucked up into filters, and eat away at pumps.
To me it is not worth the trouble.
PFS is much heavier, enough so, that normal fish activity does not allow it to be sucked up. Well worth the extra dollar or 2 for a 50lb bag.