SA Tank Substrate Poll

[FLESHY]

Hey guys - I need some help.

90g tank for some SA cichlids and characid dithers.

Bottom is already black and I have one bag of play sand and one bag of pool filter sand.

I really like the black look.

Im worried about sand getting into my pumps and destroying it.

I like the bare bottom look - but at the same time I worry that the cichlids will get bored.

I also worry about most black sands - people say they are magnetic, dirty, and floating. I definitely dont want to use blasting slag as it seems that would hurt the fish.

Talk to me about my options. Thanks

 

[rwellbaum]

black sand and pool filter sand
i have the mixture in all of my tanks and i have never had a problem with it getting into my filters
i think the mixture looks the best also

 

[FLESHY]

What kind of black sand do you suggest?

Id also like to add that I bought some "pool filter sand" from a local "Menards" and it doesnt seem to be too much coarser than play sand.

Am I missing something?

Should I go to a pool supply store?

Thanks

 

[rwellbaum]

i got my pfs from my local pool store idk about the Menards pfs

i have black diamond blasting sand that i got from Menards

 

[Achill3s]

i got my pfs from my local pool store idk about the Menards pfs

i have black diamond blasting sand that i got from Menards

Would that black sand work well in a planted tank? Is it safe for the fish? Not gonna mess up params?

 

[rwellbaum]

Would that black sand work well in a planted tank? Is it safe for the fish? Not gonna mess up params?

yes just make sure it doesn't have any silica in it

 

[Achill3s]

Here is the composition of the black beauty slag sand for blasting.

Silicon Dioxide = 41-53%, Silicon Dioxide- Crystalline "Free Silica" Quartz= <0.1%, Aluminum oxide= 17-25%, Titanium dioxide= 0-2%, Iron Oxide (FeO)= 7-31%, Calcium oxide= 3-15%, Magnesium Oxide= 0-4%, Potassium Oxide= 0-3% and Sodium Oxide= 0.62%. Source= Harsco Minerals MSDS

 

[FLESHY]

If its cheap and safe for fish - Ill use the blasting stuff. I just worry about cichlids picking it up in their mouth and getting cut up.

In addition Ive heard some talk that it is not inert.

 

[FLESHY]

People - if you vote say why?

Will colors pop better on the black?

I have some LED lights coming in the mail, think they will be about 10k.

 

[Fishoreel]

If its cheap and safe for fish - Ill use the blasting stuff. I just worry about cichlids picking it up in their mouth and getting cut up.

In addition Ive heard some talk that it is not inert.

I use black diamond blasting and it doesn't cut or seem to bother my goldfish's mouths, and they are always sifting through it. I have some friends that use it in their African cichlid tanks too without problems.
I do think the darker substrates make fish colors pop better. It certainly does make my cherry shrimp look brighter.