Which kind of sand should I use?

[Vobs56]

For my 55 gallon I am doing an eartheaters and angels tank and I have been contemplating the type of sand I should use. I also will have a 3D background that has hues of brown, grey and black. I'm looking for a more natural look. My options are:

1. Red Flint Sand - A little bit darker brown than your typical beach sand.
2. Moonlight White Sand - White
3. Tahitian Moon Black Sand - Black

Which would work best for my set-up? Or is there another type of sand I should consider?

 

[Motoxer777]

have you considered silica sand? its like 10 bucks for 100 pounds and you can choose from different grit sand. its a beach sand color by the way maybe a little more white

 

[bbortko]

If you're considering white go with pool filter sand. American sales has it for around $5/50# bag and is clean enough to use without rinsing. I've had red heads, iporangensis and jurapari with it and they all loved it.

 

[Vobs56]

If you're considering white go with pool filter sand. American sales has it for around $5/50# bag and is clean enough to use without rinsing. I've had red heads, iporangensis and jurapari with it and they all loved it.

would it effect the pH or any other parameters of the tank?

 

[Motoxer777]

nice to know. i had to rinse 100 pounds of that stuff for like an hour and a half haha

If you're considering white go with pool filter sand. American sales has it for around $5/50# bag and is clean enough to use without rinsing. I've had red heads, iporangensis and jurapari with it and they all loved it.

 

[bbortko]

I never checked the parameters. After I cycled my tank 12 years ago I stopped testing, I feel if you do things right there is no need to test and 90% of my fish live to they're expected age(unfortunately neither of my plecos times have come yet. I do recall reading somewhere that pfs is chemically inert and will not alter your parameters.

 

[calioutlaw1a]

I use tahitian moon sand and really like it, but I'm a big fan of black substrate. The black can really make certain colors pop, but be aware that some fish will darken when put in a tank with very dark substrate/background.

 

[Tworottz72]

+1 for pool filter sand. But have to say the cleanlyness(is that a word) depends on the brand. When I did my 75 gallon, I had to rinse the sand forever. But when I did my 125 it was clean out of the bag. I don't recall brand names of the sand.

 

[Vobs56]

I use tahitian moon sand and really like it, but I'm a big fan of black substrate. The black can really make certain colors pop, but be aware that some fish will darken when put in a tank with very dark substrate/background.

the thing that i've heard about the tahitian moon black sand is cleaning it sufficiently. i have read quite of few threads stating that the CaribSea variety is a pain to clean and takes forever to prep.

i've pretty much made up my mind to give the pool filter sand a shot. i'll just make sure that it does not have any additives in it that would be formulated to control algae or aid with chlorination.

 

[Jc1119]

Pool filter sand. I found mine at Home Depot. Quickrete. About $5 for 50 pounds. Doesnt really need rinsing. I ran mine for about 12 hours, changed filter socks and was good to go. Best sand Ive used. Fish love it too