What kind of sand to buy?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
O

oii

Candiru
MFK Member
Oct 22, 2007
489
2
46
Michigan
I want to give sand a try but was wondering where to get it and how expensive it is. I need enough to fill a 55g.

I was also wondering, do I need to do anything different to keep the sand from getting into my filters, and power heads? I also don't know how I'd vacuum out my tank filled with sand or if I even can?
 
Pool Filter Sand is very cheap and looks the best. You may also want to opt for childrens play sand. Just remove all existing substrate and clean the sand thoroughly. Next step is to load a bucket with sand, then tip it in the tank up side down fast and bring the bucket to the tank floor. You then lift up the bucket slowly and you should have minimal floating sand. Repeat as needed.

20Lbs should be enough for your 55G.
 
Silica sand, It's like, pure white.
 
where could I find pool filter sand at this time of year? I'm in Michigan and its been freezing for a while now. I think home depot and lowes send all their summer stock some where. I do have a pool store near me that I know is open this time of year but I'm sure the prices are jacked up even on a bag of pool filter sand. It seems like if i can use a regular old bag of children's play sand I should be able to use just about anything, is there anything that I should absolutely not buy for substrate?
 
oii;1317260; said:
where could I find pool filter sand at this time of year? I'm in Michigan and its been freezing for a while now. I think home depot and lowes send all their summer stock some where. I do have a pool store near me that I know is open this time of year but I'm sure the prices are jacked up even on a bag of pool filter sand. It seems like if i can use a regular old bag of children's play sand I should be able to use just about anything, is there anything that I should absolutely not buy for substrate?
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The question what CAN I use? Obviously you shouldnt use pinebark chips, feather down etc. Childrens play sand is fine, but it generally needs a better clean then other sands.
 
Mystix212;1317274; said:
The question what CAN I use? Obviously you shouldnt use pinebark chips, feather down etc. Childrens play sand is fine, but it generally needs a better clean then other sands.
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okay thanks. My only other question is do I have to protect my power heads and filters from sand and if so how?
 
Play sand works fine. Wash it well and lift your intakes up a little higher. If your fish really like to play in the sand then put a prefilter over it.
 
dragonfish;1318262; said:
Play sand works fine. Wash it well and lift your intakes up a little higher. If your fish really like to play in the sand then put a prefilter over it.
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what about my power head thats like 2" off of the ground? I've been looking for a sponge to put over it but have been unsuccessful.
 
All you must do with the powerhed is lift it up. The second you start to see any sand lift in the direction of the intake, you must move it. Although having a VERY light current accross the sand will blow up any fecael matter in the water to be picked up by the filter.
 
you can get quikrete (sp.?) consistently graded sand that is a bleached color at Home Depot for like $6 a bag (100 pound bags). the one they had in stock was a medium grade. very cheap and a lot nicer than play sand
 
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