thinking of getting sand substrate

[polypterus77]

so, as the title says i want to change my gravel for sand, but been looking around and there are different opinions about pool filter sand (silica) some say that is great, but others claim that it has chemicals, its abrassive, and afecct ph, so what you guys think about it? it is save for my polys?

if there is a alrady a thread that answer this sorry (please put the link), but didnt find it, thanxs

 

[andyjs]

Go for it. I have all 3 of my polys on pool filter sand. It's great stuff-easy to keep clean, looks good, cheap

 

[dragonfish]

Once you go sand you'll never go back.

 

[polypterus77]

thanks for the replies, i know these have been discuss a lot, but i really dont want to harm my fish, so you think that it doesn't leach silicates into the water and does not cause toxic anoxic pockets?

if the fish eat it what happen?

Sorry for askin that much

 

[blurock]

Ive been wondering about sand lately too...
I have cats too, and the substrate they are on now is too abrasive and I need to change it for something. Does pool filter sand come in different colors? I like the look of black substrate...

 

[benzjamin13]

Go for it. The only reason you would have to worry about Silica sand is if you plan on having any Rays.

 

[Merbeast]

Sand should not effect the ph or leach anything into the water. Sand does not, however, hide poop. Be prepared to see lots of poop on top of the sand. I had 3 fx5s and more on a 150 with sand and bichirs and I saw way too much poop. I switched back to gravel. There are benefits and drawbacks to sand.

 

[andyjs]

thanks for the replies, i know these have been discuss a lot, but i really dont want to harm my fish, so you think that it doesn't leach silicates into the water and does not cause toxic anoxic pockets?

if the fish eat it what happen?

Sorry for askin that much

I had a lot of problems with anaerobic pockets when I used play sand, but the grains of pool filter sand are large enough and round enough that they don't compact, avoiding the problem

oh, and on the subject of it not hiding poop, I see that as another redeeming quality, not a drawback. Instead of concealing the poop and contributing to extra nitrates, it sits right on top where it can be easily removed. Not quite the ease of bare bottom maintenance, but close and with a better look

 

[haynchinook334]

Once you go sand you'll never go back.

That's all so true.

 

[pwmin]

I've never had a problem with silica sand, but I would recommend 3M ColorQuartz. I have used Quikrete Medium Grade Sand from Lowe's in many tanks and it's only like $5 for 100 pounds. It's just too light for my liking. The only problem is you have to watch that it doesn't get up in the filter impellers. I haven't used PF sand, but it's heavier than silica sand as is ColorQuartz. The regular sand from LFS is just too expensive.