Recommendation on substrate: white sand a good choice?

[Losago1980]

Hi (again) everyone,

Now I would like to hear your thoughts on substrate: Do you consider white sand a good choice? I've read that it tends to raise the pH. Is that true? Thanks for your input.

Luiz.

[Oxboy]

Hi (again) everyone,

Now I would like to hear your thoughts on substrate: Do you consider white sand a good choice? I've read that it tends to raise the pH. Is that true? Thanks for your input.

Luiz.

Depends on what it's made out of. Coral? Probably. Inert pool filter sand. No.

White is a nice color to help avoid peppering but it shows up the poo a lot more.

[Losago1980]

Depends on what it's made out of. Coral? Probably. Inert pool filter sand. No.

White is a nice color to help avoid peppering but it shows up the poo a lot more.

Thanks Oxboy,

So I should look into Inert pool filter sand instead, correct?

Good point on the poop! lol

Luiz

[Oxboy]

Pool filter sand is beige, not white. It looks pretty natural. If you want a lighter buff color or even pure white, you will need to shop around at petstore/fishstores both brick and mortar and online. Before you commit, you may want to buy the smallest bags available of the colors you are considering so you can see what they look like in the flesh and under your tank lighting. I find sand always looks darker when wet. Be aware also that some retail sands for aquariums are painted; they are probably safe but you might not want to deal with potential chemical problems down the road. Final note: if youve never had sand before, wash it in a clean bucket over and over and over again. Then wash it 10 more times before putting it the tank. 😉

[Trey]

Hi Guys.

I have also been thinking about using the Pool filter sand ...
thank you for the above ...helps making and informed decision