Silica sand for rays?

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I'M SO FRUSTRATED!!! I keep finding information going both ways for and against pool filter sand (scilica sand)! Here is a quote I just found on the simply disucus forum: "Not to start an argument but I just want to give everyone some information on Pool Filter Sand as I've worked in the pool industry for the last 15 years.

I would figure you would want to stay away from pool filter sand as a substrate. Pool filter sand is very, very hard and has very, very sharp edges. This stuff is able to wear a hole through a 1/2" of ABS plastic in no time. I cannot imagine it would be good for the glass or for the fish for that matter. Wouldn't pool filter sand be too abrasive for Discus and your bottom feeders (if you have any)? The Discus I've had in the past used to love gliding across the bottom of the tank.

I only say this as I've worked in a Pool Store for going on 15 years. Pool filter sand is specifically used because of the hard, sharp edges on each granual of sand...it catches the dirt much better than sand with rounded edges. And because of the harness, the edges will never round or dull in a fish tank. I would think a rounded masionary sand would be a much better choice and safer for the fish."

It looks like I'm going to have to break down and buy caribsea that is known to be and advertised as ray safe. It's just more moolah, and I can't find the kind I want. BAH!
 
Warrensmentor said:
I'M SO FRUSTRATED!!! I keep finding information going both ways for and against pool filter sand (scilica sand)! Here is a quote I just found on the simply disucus forum: "Not to start an argument but I just want to give everyone some information on Pool Filter Sand as I've worked in the pool industry for the last 15 years.

I would figure you would want to stay away from pool filter sand as a substrate. Pool filter sand is very, very hard and has very, very sharp edges. This stuff is able to wear a hole through a 1/2" of ABS plastic in no time. I cannot imagine it would be good for the glass or for the fish for that matter. Wouldn't pool filter sand be too abrasive for Discus and your bottom feeders (if you have any)? The Discus I've had in the past used to love gliding across the bottom of the tank.

I only say this as I've worked in a Pool Store for going on 15 years. Pool filter sand is specifically used because of the hard, sharp edges on each granual of sand...it catches the dirt much better than sand with rounded edges. And because of the harness, the edges will never round or dull in a fish tank. I would think a rounded masionary sand would be a much better choice and safer for the fish."

It looks like I'm going to have to break down and buy caribsea that is known to be and advertised as ray safe. It's just more moolah, and I can't find the kind I want. BAH!
Click to expand...



lol, IT IS FINE :)

Do you think in the amazon rays live on a white fluffy cloud??? j/k
No mostly soft silt...etc, but i am sure there are rocks, sticks, and other objects as well. Many ray keepers use it with no issues at all for years/.
 
i doubt the guy who lost his fire eels and poly where due to the type of sand. come on!
 
If the edges were hard and sharp, don't you think it would feel that way to the touch? I can grab a handful of sand, squeeze it, run my hand over it and it's just fine.

You're over thinking it, just go with the pfs...
 
I have used both pool filter and the dreaded play sand to no ill effect with any fish. I understand that many people promote the DANGER or abrasion from sand and or other substrates, but in my experience there is no problem. I've only ever seen fish that die "from sand" actually had other tank issues that caused the fish to be vulnerable to anything. Fish that develop external infections from abrasions have other concerns than sand substrate, either a internal parasite/bacteria etc that is destroying the immune system or unclean water. A healthy fish in a well filtered and maintained with adequate space will do fine with nearly any substrate and decor, and not to say this is right but fish can get torn fins, abrasions etc and heal fine. Just look at all the African keepers who's fish routinely get beat up then heal.

I've kept G. tile in play sand and various spiny eels and that sand is supposed to be the end all be all of bad substrates. My delhezi and ornate bichirs are flourishing in my silica sand lined 300 gallon tank. I'll soon be adding a ray and let you know my findings.
 
I dont like plain white sand Ive had it just didnt look good in my tank.

if i were you i would just buy some red flint sand in the small grain my Motoro loves it and its small grain so it doesn't do anything to the ray at all.

Yeah you spend more money but in the long run you wont be disappointed two 50 pound bags should cost you around 45$ and you have some nice looking sand. I never see anything bad coming from pool filter sand though, people use it and recommend using it over dry play sand on the forum. So you should be safe if thats what your shooting for.
 
its fine but what I can say from a lot of experience is dont put a thick layer on the bottom just a coating like tops and inch thick the sand can trap gases that will effect your rays and basically kill them do to pollutants
 
Isn't pool filter sand or play ground sand fluffy and not as heavy as aquarium sand? I have no experience with both but if your that worried about it then spend the money and buy aquarium sand or find it used. I'm sure it will pop up for sale somewhere like used gravel.


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Right now I'm waiting for my lfs to get in some caribsea samples. I'm 80% sure I'm going with crystal river from the super natural line.

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