What sand for substrate?

[benray4fun]

Setting up a tank and want to know what sand most of you are using. From what I've heard silica and aragonite based sand is not recommended for freshwater set ups. So what other sand base are you guys using for your stingrays?...

 

[ajb1971]

I use (Black) Estes sand,,,,,,,,,its not the cheapest but I know its the safest.

 

[carolines100]

I have silca very fine and its with motoros use the stickys loads off info in they

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

I know there are some that get away with silica, most will say that it can irritate your rays' disks. I use pool filter sand. It's cheap, looks nice, and is ray safe. You can pick it up from any pool supply store. Prices range from $5-$15/50lb. bag.

 

[benray4fun]

I know there are some that get away with silica, most will say that it can irritate your rays' disks. I use pool filter sand. It's cheap, looks nice, and is ray safe. You can pick it up from any pool supply store. Prices range from $5-$15/50lb. bag.

"Ray safe," that's what I'm going with...thanks

 

[Riv D]

Here's a thread about sand that might answer some general questions.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146194

 

[Nic]

estes tahition moon 3m pool filter sand.... yellow or brown bar sand from a supply yard or go one better and get pointing sand its the finest sand you can get...

 

[chanacrossbreeds]

I use natural Lava stone with my filter but not sure if you can find in US

 

[benray4fun]

Just called Rizzo pool and the rep said the filter sand is silcate based...

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

All sand is silicate based, with the exception of sand from crushed lava. It's whether or not it has sharp edges that you have to watch for.

Really, to us, no sand is really going to feel "sharp". But if you look at it and compare it under a microscope, you will really see the difference.