sand

[spitz006]

Heading out tomorrow morning to pick up some sand for the substrate for my 35 tall brackish I'm setting up. Any tips on the cheapest/best stuff I could get at a hardware store or wal-mart? I don't care about color; black, white, or anything in between is fine. I don't mind doing the extra work of rinsing. I'd like to spend the least amount of money and get the most realistic looking sand that my critters are going to enjoy scooting around in. (I plan on stocking some gobies). As far as buffering, I guess I don't want anything that's going to change my ph. I'd rather keep that neutral until I've decided on a "final stock" and have an idea of what my fish average out to prefer.

 

[CharlieTuna]

I think you answered your own question - a bag of sand from your local hardware store will be your cheapest option. Make sure you rinse it thoroughly before adding it to your tank, in my experience, it is usually dirty. I would spend the couple extra bucks and buy pool filter sand instead.

 

[suds1421]

Yep buy pool filter sand, it has a larger grade and won't cloud the water as much.

Whatever you buy be sure to rinse it REALLY well. I rinsed my washed sand and was amazed at how much came out.

Get Pool filter sand, you won't be sorry that you spent $2 more.

 

[cichlid_starter]

X3

 

[Nighttouch]

I like the play sand I bought at Menard's, Its got lots of little chips of different colored rocks in it so it looks like a natural river/lake bed.

 

[Gruff Master]

Pool Filter Sand is great IMO. Just rinse, rinse, rinse and you're good to go.