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Thread: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

  1. #1
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    Default Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    Hi,
    I'm interested in using PFS in my Discuss planted tank. I will have plant soil substrate at the back of the tank for plants. The front will include sand only.
    There are so many PFS types. How do I know which type to choose? How do you choose? BTW - live in Israel...

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Homesteader Filip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    Israel use metric system i presume , just like in Europe .Ask for 0.3 to 0.8 mm grain size of PFS sand .
    Finer would dust and can be easily siphoned out , and coarser will let debris collect in it so this size is a sweet spot that we ussualy use for discus .
    Ask for Quartz , Silica based (Sio2 ) sand because they are chemically inert .

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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types


  4. #4
    Homesteader Filip's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    The first one falls in that 0.3-0.8 mm range . Second one is close but still a little coarser.
    P.S. It would be a real challenge to separate the subsrate in the back not to mix with your front sand. Stone and wood structures should help you achieving this .

  5. #5
    Registered Member 14Discus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    I use coarse sand/fine gravel. The fine PFS stuff is too easily sucked up when doing vacuuming while this stuff stays put. Also, there is no way any of the coarse sand will get mistakingly taken in by filters ruining the impellers. By vacuuming each WC, any super fine gunk settling in the substrate is quickly removed. Larger debris remains on the top of the coarse sand.

    61C83B83-4FF8-4F29-AC8B-B3B8686DD55C.jpg
    23A2B55E-FC15-40DC-9AB6-61581218B0FC.jpg
    8E31D83B-2871-409E-8F52-CAEBA5A55001.jpg

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    If your looking for truly white sand this is what I use...https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mystic-Wh...b-Bag/44578380

  7. #7
    Registered Member + MVP danotaylor's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    I like this stuff, it's tan and very natural looking and coarse enough not to get suck up or pack down.
    81dSNx842LL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

  8. #8
    Registered Member bluelagoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    I'm in Canada and use #2 silica from Home Depot or Shaw Brick. 50 lb. bag about $10. Looks like the above in colour.

  9. #9

    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    Quote Originally Posted by 14Discus View Post
    I use coarse sand/fine gravel. The fine PFS stuff is too easily sucked up when doing vacuuming while this stuff stays put. Also, there is no way any of the coarse sand will get mistakingly taken in by filters ruining the impellers. By vacuuming each WC, any super fine gunk settling in the substrate is quickly removed. Larger debris remains on the top of the coarse sand.

    61C83B83-4FF8-4F29-AC8B-B3B8686DD55C.jpg
    23A2B55E-FC15-40DC-9AB6-61581218B0FC.jpg
    8E31D83B-2871-409E-8F52-CAEBA5A55001.jpg
    Can you get in this with a phython and clean with out suckling it up

  10. #10

    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    Quote Originally Posted by danotaylor View Post
    I like this stuff, it's tan and very natural looking and coarse enough not to get suck up or pack down.
    81dSNx842LL._AC_SL1500_.jpg
    Can you clean this with a phython

    Jeanne

  11. #11
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    You want the sand like kosher salt, not table salt. Then a python vacuum won't suck it all the way up the tube. Some fine particles will, but most will go a third to half way up the tube and then fall back down. The problem with the carib sea and other brands is that it is either too fine or its expensive, which defeats the purpose of using pool filter sand. Sorry, but I'm not familiar with any big box home improvement stores in Israel. In the US, I'd direct you to Home Depot.

  12. #12
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    Thanks,
    How do I know if the vacuum will sick the sand or not? Can I tell by the parameters I put up here earlier?
    Thanks

  13. #13
    Registered Member + MVP danotaylor's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    Yes Jeanne. This stuff is graded, so almost every grain in the same size. Some of the very small grains that pass through the grading process will get sucked out, but 98% will stay behind when gravel vac'ing

  14. #14
    Moderator Team LizStreithorst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    But isn't the point of using PFS the fact that the poo and crud stays on the top so you can just skim over the substrate when you clean your substrate with the python. I'm new to this kind of thing and trying to figure out which is the best.
    Mama Bear

  15. #15

    Default Re: Pool Filter Sand (PFS) types

    I to Liz am new to sand and I cannot have a tank whether I'm keeping guppies or discus, I have to be able to get on the bottom and clean the substrate and what has kept me away from sand is the ability to clean without sucking it up I want a sand that is fine but not so fine that you

    remove when you clean

    Jeanne

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