Which sand is better? Please have a look.

[RD.]

It appears to be mostly silica based, as Homer stated, just rinse well first.

Neither. Have PFS now and am switching on my new tank. It is impossible to keep clean, like a white car. Everything shows on it. It looks good for about 12 hours after you clean and then meh. JMHO though. Going back to BDBS.

Not all PFS is the same. There are many brands sold around the world, and not all of it is white.
Ditto to hardware store brands, they also vary from location to location.

 

[duanes]

It appears to be mostly silica based, as Homer stated, just rinse well first.





Not all PFS is the same. There are many brands sold around the world, and not all of it is white.
Ditto to hardware store brands, they also vary from location to location.

Agree with RD color and grade re not all white, my PFS is tan (much like the bottom of places I dive with cichlids)

 

[Kashif314]

^ Size looks to be heavy enough it shouldnt be disturbed too much unless a fish really wanted to stir / sift through it like some cichlids might...

Just make sure to give it a good rinse before placing in the tank to rinse off any dust particles, which you could do by placing it in a bucket and running some water over it and stirring it in your garden or something...

As for your 2nd question, im not 100% certain on this, but it does look to be a silica type substrate, but maybe wait to see what others think...

Agree with RD color and grade re not all white, my PFS is tan (much like the bottom of places I dive with cichlids)

Thanks a lot. So the one I have is off good grade? Any ideas? I will rinse it good before adding. This sand will not leave some whitish cloud like thing? I ve had such issue with substrate in past. Specially the white ones mainly. They were not fine stones.

 

[Fat Homer]

Thanks a lot. So the one I have is off good grade? Any ideas? I will rinse it good before adding. This sand will not leave some whitish cloud like thing? I ve had such issue with substrate in past. Specially the white ones mainly. They were not fine stones.

Just keep rinsing and stirring it in the bucket till the water runs clear before placing in the tank and you should be good...

 

[duanes]

Thanks a lot. So the one I have is off good grade? .

I wouldn't call it off grade, there are many size/weight grades for different pool filter sizes, back wash rates and applications.
Below is one

It is a little larger than I prefer but works, there is no one perfect for all, it all depends on what you like

In most tanks, I prefer smaller grain, and what I perceive to be the most natural color, to bring out the natural colors of the fish. In my tanks, whitish bright sand tends to wash out natural fish color, and to me the tank is mostly about the fish, substrate way down on the visual importance list.

 

[RD.]

And not to rule out play sand either, it can be even more cost effective, while having the same natural color, in various grain sizes too. Some of my most natural looking sand over the years was purchased at hardware stores as play sand. Just watch out for the super fine sand, it can be a killer to clean, and tends to get blown around much easier initially, and pack down hard over time.





At the end of the day it's whatever you prefer, your fish, your tank. Good luck.

 

[Zanzag]

Here's what I use. It's got a nice mix of sizes and rinses easily

 

[Kashif314]

Just keep rinsing and stirring it in the bucket till the water runs clear before placing in the tank and you should be good...

I wouldn't call it off grade, there are many size/weight grades for different pool filter sizes, back wash rates and applications.
Below is one

It is a little larger than I prefer but works, there is no one perfect for all, it all depends on what you like

In most tanks, I prefer smaller grain, and what I perceive to be the most natural color, to bring out the natural colors of the fish. In my tanks, whitish bright sand tends to wash out natural fish color, and to me the tank is mostly about the fish, substrate way down on the visual importance list.

And not to rule out play sand either, it can be even more cost effective, while having the same natural color, in various grain sizes too. Some of my most natural looking sand over the years was purchased at hardware stores as play sand. Just watch out for the super fine sand, it can be a killer to clean, and tends to get blown around much easier initially, and pack down hard over time.


View attachment 1386471


At the end of the day it's whatever you prefer, your fish, your tank. Good luck.

Here's what I use. It's got a nice mix of sizes and rinses easilyView attachment 1386472View attachment 1386473

Thanks a lot everyone. I will rinse it thoroughly before adding to the tank and put water.