Fine Grained White sand

[foxbat426]

Hi, I see alot of discus and angel tanks with this very white fine grain sand. I know its not pool sand, as Ive used it before. Is this silica sand people are using? I like the look and would like to put some down in my altum tanks. I see something like it sold in the reptile section of petco and petsmart. Could i use this in a fish tank? also where could i buy this is bulk?

Thanks, john

[Clawhammer]

Definitely go with pool filter sand. Anything finer will get siphoned up when cleaning the sand.

[RogueDiscus]

I have gone to a masonry supply in the past to by it, but you might check places like Home Depot. White silica sand. I have used #20 which believe is the size rating.

[Neptune]

I'm a fan of this stuff

https://www.amazon.com/Pool-Filter-Sand-Grade-Silica/dp/B00JJ5GXSK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511831818&sr=8-3&keywords=aquaquartz+pool+filter+sand

someone had a link to a cheaper source awhile back. Hopefully they will post it again.

[fishbubbles]

+1, I had to buy mine off Amazon as well because I couldn't find any locally. I bought 2 bags for my 265 gallon tank and had about a half bag left over with less than 1/4'' covering throughout.

[Ryan925]

I'm a fan of this stuff

https://www.amazon.com/Pool-Filter-Sand-Grade-Silica/dp/B00JJ5GXSK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511831818&sr=8-3&keywords=aquaquartz+pool+filter+sand

someone had a link to a cheaper source awhile back. Hopefully they will post it again.

https://www.poolsuppliessuperstore.com/fairmont-mineral-152311-aquaquartz-filter-silica-sand

I think it's mostly photos. When you see the sand, in tanks, in a photo it looks super fine and pure white.

This sand is about as white as it gets I believe. Still #20 so in a photo it looks much finer than in person

[discuspaul]

As Eric has said, no 'fine grained' sand is particularly good for use in tanks - it'll just get siphoned up through normal cleansing.

We're all talking about what is called, or described as, pool filter sand here, which is the best - quartz-based silica sand of # 20 to #30 grade density - and that's pretty much what you get (most of the time), whether you buy it from a pool supply store, or from one of the big box stores, or even a masonry supply source - (so long as it's not called 'play' sand).

[bluelagoon]

I bought mine at Walmart.

[foxbat426]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I picked up some 20-30 silica sand from the local pool store, but this isn't really it. The stuff i was referring to is snow white, like fine sugar and i used to use it in my marine tanks. On the bag it actually had inhalation warnings, not to breath dust etc etc. I've seen people using this sand in altum and discus habitat tanks. I do realize when siphoning you will pick some up, but its easy enough to add again to replace. food etc etc lays right on the top. its out there somewhere, i just need to find it.

[Neptune]

This stuff?
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/caribsea-super-naturals-aquarium-sand?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o1&scid=scplp2153545&sc_intid=2153545&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-Desktop-_-Non+VIP-_-92700027158513335&kwid=p27158513335&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAiAr_TQBRB5EiwAC_QCqxWI58Fz32OOdwyu_SyC Q_jnlLzO9J4YgpuHRmQItvJGJ9cxUYPiIhoCIsMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have it in my display tank....It is very light colored, very light density and gets siphoned out with every water change...very little of my $50 worth of substrate left!

[Adam S]

Caribsea Moonlight Sand is probably what you are looking for.