Pool filter sand

[Steelman]

Going to start my search for PFS but after reading all the posts I'm finding that there is either white or natural colored. In case I only come across the more natural colored one is it okay for discus tanks? Does anyone have the natural colored one in their tank? Pictures would be appreciated. I'm starting to lean towards a more natural colored sand.

[Phillydubs]

I have it and it has been fine for me... cheap too $10 for a 50 pound bag. Take a look at my homesteader section for pics

[jim LI]

Here's my tank with pool sand. i have no problems at all with it.

Jim

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=98901&d=1466444791

[Neptune]

I couldn't find PFS in white around here. So I went with two bags of this for a 60 gallon tank.
A lot more expensive, but I was in need!

http://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/dog-signage/caribsea-instant-aquarium-moonlight-sand-gravel

[Steelman]

Jim LI do you remember the brand you used and where you bought it?

[Nate4e]

I just bought 100lbs of this for $22. I see Red Flint sells aquarium sand with the same specs as the pools filter sand.

http://www.redflint.com/pool_filtration_sand.htm

[jim LI]

Jim LI do you remember the brand you used and where you bought it?


I got it at brothers 3 pool store. i'll get you the brand name..i paid $10 for a 50 lb bag.

[BmoreBraap]

This is the exact PFS I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJ5GXSK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 , although its pretty white but looks great in the tank. You also dont even need to wash the sand since it is quartz which is also heavy enough that the intake does not suck it in and the fish dont kick it up in a panic. Unfortunately youll pay more on shipping (which is included in the $30 for 50lb price) than the sand itself from amazon, so I would check local first.

Edit: Damn just saw amazon themselves are out of stock so the prime price of $30 shipped is not available. I would imagine they will restock very soon since its a best seller.

[RogueDiscus]

I used to go to a local masonry supply company in our area to buy a 50 lb bag of #20 silica sand for my pool filter, when I still had it.

[jim LI]

I got it at brothers 3 pool store. i'll get you the brand name..i paid $10 for a 50 lb bag.

Here's the brand.

105253

[Steelman]

Hey Jim just wanted to say thanks. Went to Leslie's pool supplies on Sunrise Highway today and they had the same sand. Two bags in my 180 and I think it's enough. I like the tan color.

[jim LI]

Glad you were able to find it. the color makes a more natural look to the tank. good luck...

[Superxan]

Hey guys,

Just a quick question related to pool filter sand, I've read some posts saying using a bright/light coloured substrate makes the Discus have paler colours compared to a dark substrate, is this true?

[discuspaul]

Hey guys,

Just a quick question related to pool filter sand, I've read some posts saying using a bright/light coloured substrate makes the Discus have paler colours compared to a dark substrate, is this true?

My opposite view is that light colored substrate allows discus to more or less display their true natural coloration, while dark substrate results in discus' coloration darkening in an unnatural way in conformity with their darker surroundings.
(i.e. better camouflage against predation).

[Steelman]

Just a quick update on the PFS. Only seeing positive results so far. Originally I had aragonite in the tank so needless to say my ph has gone down from 7.6 to 7.0. I also noticed the aragonite always seemed to give off a powdery residue which would make the glass look cloudy. Not noticing that anymore. And finally algae growth has seemed to have stopped. Just seems to be a much cleaner substrate.