Sand

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
The black sand I use is called Ultra Reef Marine Sand. It's safe for Fresh and Salt water fish. Most of the aquarium/pet stores have it.
 
Everything I've read on this Estes Ultra Reef Marine Sand says that it averages five dollars for a 5 pound bag. that doesn't seem like enough sand to me. also, does a sand substrate mess with ph and such?
 
The Ultra Reef (I have an unopened bag right here) was $2.99 for a 5 pound bag. What size is your tank? Remember, you really aren't supposed to have it deep. Just a thin layer. 2 bags in a 75 is more then enough.

My son went and bought a big bag for the 220 and ended up having to scoop alot out. Whatever sand you do get, just make sure you move it around in the thicker areas which your fish don't use as much. This prevents toxic gas build up.

I've never had problems with the ph.
 
does quickrete play sand come in any different colors? I'd try the estes stuff but I have a lowes gift card needs spendin'!
 
i have pool filter sand in a 20. i put a little in a small cup and filled with tank water and the water stayed clear. then i put the sand in the tank and filled with water. the water never got cloudy or murky. only bad thing is its a light color and dirt shows up very easily. i had an algae problem and when the algae gets on the sand it wont go up the syphon so i have to take off a layer of sand. i think im changing to a darker gravel soon.
 
anyone have any experience with the "black tahitian moon" sand found at petsmart or petco? the stuff sounds good but I'd like to hear that from someone who's actually used it before. 20 lb bag for 15? Kinda pricy but the light sand is sounding less and less desireable.
 
jpjn;905047; said:
The Ultra Reef (I have an unopened bag right here) was $2.99 for a 5 pound bag. What size is your tank? Remember, you really aren't supposed to have it deep. Just a thin layer. 2 bags in a 75 is more then enough.

My son went and bought a big bag for the 220 and ended up having to scoop alot out. Whatever sand you do get, just make sure you move it around in the thicker areas which your fish don't use as much. This prevents toxic gas build up.

I've never had problems with the ph.
how does 10lbs of sand cover 75 gallons? i used 60lbs of that stuff for a 50 and a 10 gallon tank. just used 100lbs of playsand for a 120
 
I'm telling you, 2 bags is enough in a 75. I don't like it deep. But it totally covers the bottom of the tank. If it's deep, it will harden in areas and it can be dangerous unless you yourself move it around often. I don't worry about it looking and perfect and even all around because my Frontosa, Eartheater, and Royal Pleco, just move it all around anyway. The eartheater and frontosa carry it in their mouths and move it where THEY want it. lol

I THINK my son might have used that moon sand awhile back. I'll ask him about it. I really loved the look of the natural light sand, but it only looked that way for such a short time. So Id have to scoop out alot and add fresh new sand. This black sand stays looking nice.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com