sand for dojos

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SANDYBOTTOM

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Oct 16, 2012
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Lynn
i will be getting some dojo loaches soon and want sand for them.i need a sand that is fine enough for them to be comfortable.i also need it to be heavy enough so my filter will not pull it all in when they kick it up.i would appreciate some suggestions please.
 

fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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I've use pool filter sand several times but you'll have to keep the filter intake at least 3 inches above the substrate. You can also use a sponge prefilter to keep sand out of filters.
 

SANDYBOTTOM

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Oct 16, 2012
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pool filter sand comes in different sizes,doesn't it? what grain size would be preferable?i would like to stay away from prefilters, as this tank will also house goldfish. prefilters hinder the effectiveness of the filter as far as picking up detritus.i understand that the dojos help to kick this up into the water column.
 

Sploke

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Oct 20, 2005
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As long as the sand is rinsed well and your filter intakes are a few inches off the bottom, it should be fine. Pool filter sand tends to be the cleanest, I've never heard of it coming in different grain sizes...at least when I've bought it no one asked me what size I wanted. I just asked for 4 bags and they put them in my cart at the hardware store.
 

SANDYBOTTOM

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Oct 16, 2012
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the pool specialty store near me has 4 different sizes ranging from .6mm- 2.0mm. the 2.0 is referred to as #20 grit. maybe i should go with a larger grain one then.
 

fishorama

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20 grit is easiest to use because it's heavy enough not to get much up when vacuuming. I also had some "0 grade", very soft but harder to clean
 

SANDYBOTTOM

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Oct 16, 2012
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thanks for the input.does pfs only come in white? is black diamond blasting sand soft enough for them?i was hoping to get a darker color.
 

Loach guy

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Dec 20, 2013
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I used black sand in my 20 gallon. I have a 400gph filter on it that isn't an issue. The black sand is almost like finely crushed glass and settles much quicker IMO.
 

Joseph Huntley

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Dec 6, 2013
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My PFS came in natural tan color I got mine at Meynards

And where do you get the blasting media at?
 

SANDYBOTTOM

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Oct 16, 2012
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home improvement stores.you can check menards.you want 1st generation stuff,not the recycled product as it contains metal shavings/pieces.
 
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