Sand as substrate?

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Monster_Ronster

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Aug 11, 2007
38
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Tyler, Texas
Can i use just general purpose sand from Lowe's for substrate in my ca/sa tank or does it have to be some special sand? Also if i can use general purpose sand do i need to soak or clean it somehow before using it?
Thanks in advance.

C.W.
 
Monster_Ronster;1074989; said:
Can i use just general purpose sand from Lowe's for substrate in my ca/sa tank or does it have to be some special sand? Also if i can use general purpose sand do i need to soak or clean it somehow before using it?
Thanks in advance.

C.W.
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Yes you can but...... I have heard that the sand from there is notorious for being realy really dirty. In other words hard to clean before getting it in the tank. I have tried numerous different substrates and recently tried pool filter sand. A 50lb bag cost me only $10.00(cheapest substrate ever. As far as cleaning it. I used a cool-aid sized pitcher and filled it half way with sand. Then use a garden hose and turn water on full blast and push the nozzle all the way to the bottom. Gently stiring it till its cyrstal clear. Very easy to do and also make sure that the intake of any filter is appx 4 inchs from the sand. Good luck and post pics when your done
 
I'm going to suggest pool filter sand too. I don't even rinse it. The stuff I get (Aquaquartxz) is really clean straight out of the bag. It's also not too fine like play sand, so it looks pretty natural.
 
I am not sure about general purpose sand, but for things you need to check for it to be tank safe is: Is it chemically inert? Is it neutral ph and gh? Grain size? Ecologically safe? and is it non toxic? Why not just buy pool filter sand from a pool supply store? There is a sand called sugar sand that can be used. Hard to find but IMO it is the greatest looking sand, even better than expensive aquarium sand. The only problem with it is it's not as dense as most other sand and can be stirred fairly easy. I say go pool filter sand route. All sand and gravel has to be pre washed IMO. You never know whats on it and you have to get all dust off.
 
Troyness31;1075002; said:
Yes you can but...... I have heard that the sand from there is notorious for being realy really dirty. In other words hard to clean before getting it in the tank. I have tried numerous different substrates and recently tried pool filter sand. A 50lb bag cost me only $10.00(cheapest substrate ever. As far as cleaning it. I used a cool-aid sized pitcher and filled it half way with sand. Then use a garden hose and turn water on full blast and push the nozzle all the way to the bottom. Gently stiring it till its cyrstal clear. Very easy to do and also make sure that the intake of any filter is appx 4 inchs from the sand. Good luck and post pics when your done
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Wow your Pool filter sand is expensive. I just got back from buying some today and it costed me $12 for 150 lbs for high commercial grade sand.
 
everyone always rags on the play sand but it's 3 dollars per 50 lb bag and I still have yet to have a problem. it just takes a bit more work than the pool filter sand but it's way cheaper and looks (only in my opinion) way better.
 
I wish I was near you so I could get 150 #'s of pool filter sand for 10 bucks. It cost that much for 50 #'s here.
 
smpage;1076887; said:
everyone always rags on the play sand but it's 3 dollars per 50 lb bag and I still have yet to have a problem. it just takes a bit more work than the pool filter sand but it's way cheaper and looks (only in my opinion) way better.
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It's just too fine for me. It literally looked like mud in my 300.
 
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