Sand...Why is it so hard?

[MBilyeu]

I have been searching for sand to put in my tank, and I think I am more confused than when I started. I have been told not to use play sand from Home Depot, Lowes, etc. because it is too fine and will stay suspended. Then I am told to use pool filter sand, so I took a trip to two different pool and spa places and they both only had clear sand made from recycled glass which was $25 for 50lbs. One of the guys at a spa place told me that I was probably looking for 20 grit silica sand, and that no pool or spa place carries that anymore. Where do I get this elusive sand without spend a rediculous amount for aquarium sand?

Also, how much do I need for a foot print of 96"x30" that will be thick enough for plants?

 

[justonemoretank]

I use play sand. After the initial settling (a day or so for the water to get 100% clear) I've never had any problem with cloudiness. I keep Corydoras and Clown Loaches and have had no problem with irritation on their tummies. As for how much you need, I'm no help. I have a 125 and a 55 with sand, but I can't remember how many bags we bought for either one.

 

[Toby_H]

I typed this into Google: pool store Tacoma, WA

Then I clicked the first link it gave me which is a Google Maps list of pool stores...

A on the list was a fancy place that seemed to be geared toward people who just throw money at problems, not my style...

B on the list was Warner Brothers Pool & Spa. They didn't have a web site linked so I gave them a call. Yes they have what you are looking for. They are out right now but it comes in Tuesday.


That took me 4 minutes to figure out...

A little google goes a long way....

 

[RyanP]

play sand is the way to go, just clean it really good

 

[cornizzy]

i went with play sand! it took a day to clear and i have no problem ever since.. i have a 55 and i only bought 1 bag (50lbs) and there is about 2 inchs in dept and some spots got 3-5inches in dept!

 

[sostoudt]

i went with paving sand in one tank, took 2 weeks to completely clear. i went with pool filter sand in another, I liked it alot better of the two. the pool filter sand was 10 dollars for 50 lbs.

i say go to less snobby pool places, try nutcase recommendation. i would say he was pretty active in helping

 

[iManipulate]

My LFS had silica sand hidden in the back room lol. I'd just check around a bunch of stores, thats what I did.

 

[SupeDM]

I used Country Stone Premium white play sand purchased at menards for less than $4 for a fifty pound bag. Didnt rinse it and within 1 day it was all settled. I like this better than my pool filter sand and the super white marine sand as this is a little off white and doesnt reflect nearly as bad.

 

[kallmond]

I used playsand. rinse the hell out of it, it took me 4 water changes to get the water clear without rinsing.

 

[Hoyo12]

I use play and with no issues. Took two-three days for the water to clear up with good results in the end in my 60-Gallon.

EDIT: Purchased it from Home Depot.