is THIS the right kind of sand for substrate? (just want 2 be sure)

[shoveltrash]

linky:
http://www.lowes.com:80/pd_10392-74291-00014_0__?catalogId=10051&productId=3305740&UserSearch=silica+sand&Ntt=silica+sand&N=0&langId=-1&storeId=10151&rpp=24

I've removed my gravel substrate, and now thinking of putting what I've read about here - "pool filter sand" or "silica sand." do I have the right stuff here?

[shoveltrash]

ah, wait!!! THIS is it, I do believe: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202314677/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

[djallor]

I do not think so. I checked at Lowes and Home Depot and Play Sand and Pool Filter Sand are not the same. I think the Pool Filter Sand is finer texture.

I purchased Pool Filter Sand at a swimming pool and hot tub store. Cost about $12-15 per 50 pound bag. I have one bag in 100 gal tank and it covers about less than 1" thick. I really like the look of the sand bottom in my tank.

Hope that helps.

[TNT77]

Yes the second link. You can use the 1st one but its darker and I believe the grain is smaller.

[TNT77]

I would really look around alot of lfs carries pool filter sand. I get mine for $3.50 per 50lb bag.

[shoveltrash]

I'll keep looking then - I'm planning a trip to our LFS (it's a 2 hour round trip!) this week, so I'm making a list.......THX!

[BoiseDiscusGuy]

Do not use play sand! The grains are too small and has alot of muck in it. It will turn your tank into a mud puddle! Pool filter sand somewhere in the area of #8 grain is ideal. I use Pool filter sand that is made from milled glass. It has a very nice color and kinda sparkles. Silica pool sand can also be used with good results. Just dont use aragonite sand. it will affect your ph.

[H2Ochanger]

Right: if you use play sand, you'll need to wash it...a lot! I have gotten most of my pool filter sand from Leslie's in Charlotte: maybe not as cheap as Home Depot, but I've found it to be cleaner.

Which LFS are you heading to?

[Skip]

BB is the best Substrate :)

[shoveltrash]

LOL warlock.....right now it's BB, and honestly I can already see a difference! no more trapped food particles in substrate, MUCH less mess to clean up!


I have gotten most of my pool filter sand from Leslie's in Charlottegood to know.... hey, H20changer, we're practically neighbors!!! I'm in Monroe. judging by your username, I'm thinking you are an *expert* at water changing? ever thought about doing outside work? :p
(I posted on another thread that I am HOPELESS when it comes to plumbing stuff - despite being a long time surgical nurse!)
the whole water-changing/water quality challenge is a bit overwhelming for me. right now I just have a 40g, so it's not too bad. BUT, I'm wanted another larger tank (60-75) and need to figure out the details. RO setup, ageing my water, & the "ins" and "outs" for simplified WCs. so far I've managed to keep my 2 Discus alive (despite my initial ignorance....should've joined here sooner!), but I'm using salt-softened water, with a high pH. I'd like to make things *better* or *perfect* you know?
sorry to run on so! just exciting to find a member close by!!!! - Trish

[chiligum]

The cheapest and best sand that i use in England is from the builders merchants...It's Kiln baked/dried Sand that is used for brushing inbetween blockpaving/ slabs on driveways etc...It's a good colour with different colour specks so is not a boring uniformly colour and is totally Fish safe and inert.

[Lenin]

This is what I used and worked great

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=10392-286-111351&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3006085&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

[NutMeg]

I went to Home Depot and picked up a 100lb bag of Lane Mountain brand silica sand. Didn't require much cleaning and its nice and white. Unfortunately, I have tanks with it where the top layer kinda got all brown with algae, but nothing like that in my tank so far. It was only $11 in a brown bag and HEAVY!

[shoveltrash]

omg, one hundred pounds? that IS heavy!!!
I've opted to follow this advice
BB is the best Substrateand very very thankful I did. so much easier!

[Fishyfry]

BB?

[chiligum]

Bare Bum..Backside...Oh wait, it's Bottom

[shoveltrash]

LOL - BB=bare bottom
'had to laugh.......I was in Petsmart the other day, talking to one of the employees (he breeds AF). I told him "I've gone Bare Bottom" and a nearby customer went *BUG EYED* when he overheard this! ha ha ha ha ha