Home Depot Play Sand

[imac1184]

I know we talk about pool sand a lot, but I was wondering if Play box sand would work as a substrate?

Anyone have any experiences/issues?

Thanks!

[Discus-Hans]

Hi Ian,

in play sand they put clay (to keep it stick together) don't use it in your tank,

Hans

[White Worm]

Ive used the Monterey Silica Sand from Home Depot with no problems.

[Gordon C. Snelling]

If what you are getting is pure Silica sand you will be fine, however it is very important to be sure you are getting a course enough grit size. I would say anything under 30 grit will be too fine due the excessive amount of fine dust it will contain. Even 30 grit will contain a bunch of dust but not as bad as finer sands often do.

[Kindredspirit]

Ive used the Monterey Silica Sand from Home Depot with no problems.

Me too $3.00 for a 50lb bag.

[imac1184]

Alright good to know.

I am still going to try and find a pool supply store around, but that silica sand is now my fallback.

Do you have any problems with it being too fine and clouding the water? Any anaerobic bacteria problems?

thanks again guys and gals!

[White Worm]

I rinsed it pretty good before putting it in the tank but never had any clouding problems. Once it is settled from the initial add, even the discus didnt stir it up much.

[architect1]

I got the play sand to it was all silica 100% but I find cleaning it is a pain in the but and keeping the sand from blacking.

[GrillMaster]

I started my first planted tank with HD play sand... The plants loved it!!! Easy to maintain an vacuumn. You can plant absolutely anything in it.