So I am going with Sand, Which one? PFS or CaribSea, HELP!

[Señor Discus]

So I have decided to go with sand. Now I have two choices

1. https://www.amazon.com/Carib-Sea-ACS05820-Moonlight-Aquarium/dp/B00DDYZQ8Q/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_199_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=240FXEYFN4XHHHWVJEBM

2. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJ5GXSK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A6OBKPVDCJD2I&psc=1

I want to go with the first one as I can get that one locally and like to patronize my LFSs. But I wanted ya'lls take on it. I am unsure what grain size the CaribSea sand is but the PFS is #20 Sieve. I would like it to be the same if not more coarse. Any insight would be greatly appreciated if you have had experience with either or. THANKS!

[Adam S]

20/30 sand is roughly 0.60mm-0.85mm in diameter. It's a good balance of looks and practicality, as it's siphonable and doesn't get kicked around in current too easily.

Moonlight is a bit too fine (0.25mm-0.75mm). I'd try to source 20/30 sand locally, or have your LFS order either Crystal River (20/30 with "Caribsea" on the bag) or Torpedo Beach (little bigger, 0.5mm-2.0mm). I think you'd be happy with any of those.

[Señor Discus]

I was trying to gauge which granule size/sieve number was one that settles nicely on the ground. I am going to look around locally for 20 grade. If I can't find any than I may go with that torpedo beach one you mentioned. I was looking for big granules. Thanks so much for the input Adam!


I just saw two videos on YT with both the Torpedo Beach and Crystal River, and I think I am going to go with the Crystal River! It looks better to me with less sparkle.

[discuspaul]

I'd go with the AquaQuartz #20 PFS - you can't go wrong with that.

[Señor Discus]

I'd go with the AquaQuartz #20 PFS - you can't go wrong with that.

So there is probably not a big enough difference to spend that much more money then ay Paul?

[Adam S]

Pretty sure TB/CR are both just quartz sand.

[Señor Discus]

Pretty sure TB/CR are both just quartz sand.

Thanks Adam, I think I may go with the PFS after I check out the CaribSea at the LFS. Thanks a lot fellas!

[Señor Discus]

Thanks to you too Paul!

[geo57]

I like the National geographic sand from pet smart, a little expensive but the best I could come up with. Works great, keeps everything on the surface and fairly easy to maintain.

[RogueDiscus]

I used to buy #20 PFS at a local masonry supply in 50 lb bags. Pretty cheap if I recall. Probably also at Home Depot or similar.

[discuspaul]

So there is probably not a big enough difference to spend that much more money then ay Paul?

I've never used Caribsea but I believe it's lighter, smaller beaded & less dense sand than the #20 gauge AquaQuartz, whereas from years of experience using PFS I can tell you it's excellent for a number of good reasons; and at the price quoted for 50 lbs., it costs 10 X less than Caribsea (at approx. the same price for only 5 lbs).

[discuspaul]

I used to buy #20 PFS at a local masonry supply in 50 lb bags. Pretty cheap if I recall. Probably also at Home Depot or similar.

Yes, this is a better, cheaper way to go if you can find some locally. It'll be the same product as Aquaquartz but it'll be a generic no-brand name and will be approx. half the price of Aquaquartz.

If they don't have it @ Home Depot or some other big box store, you can likely get it at a pool or spa supply store if you have one in your area.

[Adam S]

Forgot to mention, 8/16 sand is approximately 1mm-2mm grain size if you want something heavier than 20/30.

[Señor Discus]

I used to buy #20 PFS at a local masonry supply in 50 lb bags. Pretty cheap if I recall. Probably also at Home Depot or similar.

Thanks buddy! I am going to check out the local Home Depot after work! Thanks!

[Señor Discus]

Yes, this is a better, cheaper way to go if you can find some locally. It'll be the same product as Aquaquartz but it'll be a generic no-brand name and will be approx. half the price of Aquaquartz.

If they don't have it @ Home Depot or some other big box store, you can likely get it at a pool or spa supply store if you have one in your area.

Yup, I am going to stop by Home Depot after work! Thanks!

[Señor Discus]

Forgot to mention, 8/16 sand is approximately 1mm-2mm grain size if you want something heavier than 20/30.

Thanks for the size info! You guys have been such a big help. Will post pics after I get it together!

[RogueDiscus]

I used to buy #20 PFS at a local masonry supply in 50 lb bags. Pretty cheap if I recall. Probably also at Home Depot or similar.

It might have been more generically called #20 silica sand. It was whiter and more uniform than sandbox or beach sand.

[Señor Discus]

It might have been more generically called #20 silica sand. It was whiter and more uniform than sandbox or beach sand.

Thank you!