Are all Pool FIlter Sands Safe For Aquariums?

PattyCakes81

PattyCakes81

AC Members
Jun 26, 2010
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Staten Island, New York
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Patricia
fshfanatic said:
seems expensive. I go to Home Depot or Lowes and get 50 lb bags for like 3 bucks.
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Thanks for the tip, fshfanatic!! :thm:

I'll check my local Lowe's and Home Depot!!

Patty
 
When you do, Patty, check the color, size & density (just by looking), to see how it matches up with the brand of Quartz sand you found @ the pool supply store. Not all sands, and not all pool filter sands, are 'created equal' - so to speak.
Quality PFS is extremely clean, with very little dust, and requires little or no rinsing, whereas some of the less expensive sand from the big box stores can be very dusty/dirty, at least at first. You get what you pay for, and even though Home Depot & others may be cheaper overall - almost always, you may find it isn't the same product at all.
Good luck.
 
emile said:
When you do, Patty, check the color, size & density (just by looking), to see how it matches up with the brand of Quartz sand you found @ the pool supply store. Not all sands, and not all pool filter sands, are 'created equal' - so to speak.
Quality PFS is extremely clean, with very little dust, and requires little or no rinsing, whereas some of the less expensive sand from the big box stores can be very dusty/dirty, at least at first. You get what you pay for, and even though Home Depot & others may be cheaper overall - almost always, you may find it isn't the same product at all.
Good luck.
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Thank you emile!!:)
 
That is the exact brand I have used and love it. It is only $8.50 here (KY) - I have never seen any true pool filter sand at Lowes (don't shop Home Depot often). Walmart is carrying it now but as emile commented - it seems dirty and a darker color than the one you have in the picture. I personally would pay the little bit extra and get the one you have pictured - very nice size grain and not much comes out with water changes.

Hope that helps,
 
ponderingky said:
That is the exact brand I have used and love it. It is only $8.50 here (KY) - I have never seen any true pool filter sand at Lowes (don't shop Home Depot often). Walmart is carrying it now but as emile commented - it seems dirty and a darker color than the one you have in the picture. I personally would pay the little bit extra and get the one you have pictured - very nice size grain and not much comes out with water changes.

Hope that helps,
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Exactly my experience too.
 
In my experience Lowes tends to carry Pool Filter Sand Plus, which is just as expensive as any other sand sold for aquariums and not really worth it (may also be bad, never looked into it for the pricing reason). I've bought mine at Home Depot and it does require some rinsing and does cause some cloudiness for a day or so, but otherwise is fine to use. Haven't tried the whatever Walmart may have.

$7-10 for PFS sounds about right. Anything cheaper and I'd make sure you arn't looking at Play Sand (still usually okay to use but much finer and may need lots of cleaning).
 
ponderingky said:
That is the exact brand I have used and love it. It is only $8.50 here (KY) - I have never seen any true pool filter sand at Lowes (don't shop Home Depot often). Walmart is carrying it now but as emile commented - it seems dirty and a darker color than the one you have in the picture. I personally would pay the little bit extra and get the one you have pictured - very nice size grain and not much comes out with water changes.

Hope that helps,
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Yes ponderingky it helps me a lot. Thanks for the details on this specific pool sand!:thm:

emile said:
Exactly my experience too.
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Thanks emile!! :thm:
Khemul said:
In my experience Lowes tends to carry Pool Filter Sand Plus, which is just as expensive as any other sand sold for aquariums and not really worth it (may also be bad, never looked into it for the pricing reason). I've bought mine at Home Depot and it does require some rinsing and does cause some cloudiness for a day or so, but otherwise is fine to use. Haven't tried the whatever Walmart may have.

$7-10 for PFS sounds about right. Anything cheaper and I'd make sure you arn't looking at Play Sand (still usually okay to use but much finer and may need lots of cleaning).
Click to expand...

Thanks khemul!! I have checked my local Lowe's and Home Depots they only have play sand [don't want that stuff!!].

I will be going with the Pool Sand at Ace hardware its only 10.99 and I don't have to paid shipping!

Only got to lug those 50 pounds up 3 floors!!:swear::headshake2:
Thanks to all who have given me great advice,
Patricia
 
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