Sand Substrate Questions

[KYeasting]

I've had my tanks up and running for about 4 years now and its time for some changes.... I'm extremely interested in sand substrates for freshwater. I've only managed to find black or white sand at the store or the marine varieties. I would like to keep it dark, maybe with a little white sand mixed in for contrast.

What kind of sand should I look for?

How much should I use for a 34H? (I'm looking for about 2" or 3" of cover)

How can I easily clean it without sucking it up in the gravel vac?

 

[Toby_H]

What kind of sand should I look for?

I use Pool Filter Sand exclusively. But it's Tan to White...

"Aquarium Sand" typically found at LFS's is extremely fine grained and is stirred up into the water column where it can get sucked into the filter very easily. I highly suggest avoiding like the plague.

3M Color Quartz comes in two grades, one fine one larger grained. The larger grained stuff is comparable to Pool Filter Sand. It's a bit pricey compared to PFS, but if you want colors this is the best option. I don't use it personally but I have several (local) friends who use it and are very happy with it.

How much should I use for a 34H? (I'm looking for about 2" or 3" of cover)

There are a number of sand bed depth calculators available online. I'm quite sure this site has one but I'm not sure where the link to it is. Googling "sand bed depth calculator" should give you several to choose from.

How can I easily clean it without sucking it up in the gravel vac?

Hold the siphon tube slightly above the sand at an angle. The more you angle it the easier it is to avoid sucking up sand. You'll suck up some the first few times, but the more you clean it the more you'll get used to it.

But I do suggest buying a bit more than you need so you can replace as needed.

 

[flstffxe]

I have used 3M Colorquartz on 3 tanks now. All of them I did with S grade in black.

Colorquartz Crystals are available in S-Grade and T-Grade. T-Grade is more angular than S-Grade, and can be blended with S-Grade to provide additional design capablities.
S-grade

• Finest particle size available, non-abrasive, gentle on feet.
• Available in 14 Colors: White, Blue, Black, Cayman Green, Red, Peach, Plum, Brown, Buff, Tan, Grey, Smoke
• Spherical shape

T – Grade

• Intermediate particle size
• Available in 5 colors: White, Blue, Black, Cayman Green, Red
• Angular shape, crushed quartz

The S grade is of a nice size grain and is not sharp like the T grade is so it is safe for any sand sifters like cories.......

As for how much I used my(our) 125g(72"x18") took ~120-125#, Our 90g(48"x18") was ~75-80# and our 55g(48"x13") was done with one 50# bag of the stuff. All the tanks are covered between an 1" to 2" depth wise. So for me it averages out to about a pound per gallon to get the coverage I like. So my guess is one 50# bag would get you what you want.


Cleaning wise, I like it. I will take it any day over gravel, the waste sits on top of the sand and is easy to vacume out, since it doesn't fall down between the gravel it stays in sight and one tends to keep the tank cleaner as you get more of it when you clean. You will loose some of it over time during cleanings but it is nothing to be worried about.

The 3M Colorquartz goes for around $18-22 for a 50# bag.

3M's Colorquartz site

And

Where to buy

 

[iloveoscars702]

if you have a local Leslies Pool Supply Store, pick up a bag if thier PFS very nice stuf and and its a large enough grain that isnt sharp and doesnt get mixed up in the water. it was 8 dollars for a 50 lb bag and two bags was more than enough to fill my 84 gal, so good luck... iono if you would like the color but here is a picture of it.

 

[KYeasting]

Thanks everyone! If I get around to changing this around I'll post pics of the tank(s)!