Which sand is the better sand??

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

ArcTheEel

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 19, 2013
14
0
0
***lord, MI
I have a 55 gallon that is ready to go, only problem...I am not sure which kind of sand to go with this time. I have been buying aquarium sand but it has been a slow and costly process. (1$ per pound, and my lfs only sells 5lb bags) I did a little digging and found that a lot of people use play sand or pool filter sand.

Here is the question, should I go for pool filter sand, or play sand? I would most likely convert my 75 to whatever I choose as my fire eel would love it. (Even though she is already in a sand substrate.)

And I kind of get the understanding on how to clean it before putting it in the tank, I already have a few buckets ready to go, but a thorough description would be nice if anyone was willing.

Thanks again everyone!
 
Would you rather have 100 dollars or 1 dollar?;)

But on a serious note in my opinion theres no contest; pool filter sand all the way. Way cleaner, heavier set so it does not cloud, softer than play sand.

My baby tire track eel could easily burrow into it so a nice big fire eel will have no problems at all.

To clean it simply empty the contents into a 5 gallon pail so it fills about half way. Add water and use your hands to mix it around and then dump out all the water you can while leaving the sand in the bucket and repeat. Eventually the water will be clear so you know its only sand and no dust or anything. Then add to the tank. My 180 I used only 1 bag to fill the bottom. Its a pretty thin layer but being a poor college kid it worked out fine.

This is my tank and you can see the sand.

[video=youtube;PAErI7J0e-I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAErI7J0e-I[/video]
 
I have also heard that it is rounded, much like actual sand off the beach, which would probably be better for the eels since they are prone to scratching if the substrate is rough enough. Thank you, now I just have to find it and buy it haha.
 
Yeah, I am really liking the way that looks. I think I will have to take your advice on this one. And I want a nice deep layer so it will be perfect for my eel and possible peacock eels for the 55. Thanks a bunch!
 
Yeah, I thought it was pretty funny when they did that. I was all like 'Hey, but it is a real place man!' But whatever, lol.

Looks like I am going to give pool filter sand a try. Thanks for all the replies everyone!
 
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