100lbs of sand enough for mbunas?

I added 100 lbs last saturday to my 55 gal long, and below is how it looks, and yes it it play sand.
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I also advise that you get a 5 gal bucket and a paint strainer for rinsing your sand, the paint strainer is mesh and less than 2$ and worth every penny
 
I didn't soak my play sand in hot water. I simply put some in a 5 gallon bucket (ensuring that I'd be able to carry it) took it outside and rinsed it with the water hose. I rinsed, stirred, dumped--repeatedly! It came out pretty clean though after settling in the tank there was a thin layer on top of dusty stuff... I just siphoned it off and it hasn't returned. Sounds like you've been criticized a bit much on here and you're getting a bit paranoid. Calm down. :p
 
I washed my play sand in a 5 gal bucket with a paint strainer, it was easy...took time but was easy
 
I filled a 5 gallon bucket about 3/4 the way with sand. Then placed it in my bathtub, and ran the end of a hose through it to the bottom of the bucket. Then turned the water on and let it fill up so the water could just over flow. About every 5 minutes I would go in and slowly drain the water from the bucket and repeat this step about 5 times. Worked great.

Also when your putting the sand in your tank and start to fill it up with water, fill it up slow so it doesnt get stirred back up. Your tank will more than likely be cloudy to begin with but will clear up over the course of a day or two. Good luck.
 
Mr Meaty said:
I filled a 5 gallon bucket about 3/4 the way with sand. Then placed it in my bathtub, and ran the end of a hose through it to the bottom of the bucket. Then turned the water on and let it fill up so the water could just over flow. About every 5 minutes I would go in and slowly drain the water from the bucket and repeat this step about 5 times. Worked great.

Also when your putting the sand in your tank and start to fill it up with water, fill it up slow so it doesnt get stirred back up. Your tank will more than likely be cloudy to begin with but will clear up over the course of a day or two. Good luck.
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This is pretty much how I've cleaned play sand for my tanks--takes a bit of time, but it does get clean and looks great!!! Who cares what others say, your tank is your tank, and use what you want to. I did use Tahitian Black for my 55g, and it was very expensive. Out of 11 tanks, only one has something else, my planted, Flourite. Quit using crushed shells and gravel when I stopped keeping Malawi peacocks. I like the soft color of the play sand---stark white is too cold feeling.
 
I used less then 50 pounds, probably 40, in my 75 and everything is looking good.
 
Do you have to have a special filter when you put in sand instead of stones? I asked one time about putting in sand in my tank (not on this site) and I was told that it would most likely break my filter in someway or another, so I shouldn't bother.


Thanks

Daisy <~~~~~ :screwy:
 
AquariumNoob13 said:
i'm getting normal play sand to put in my tank, and before you criticize me, i'm soaking it in hot water when i do get it. so don't go all hysterical saying "you are killing your fish if you do that!" anyways, is 100lbs enough for a 55g?
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I don't think I've read any where on this site that people are killing their fish by adding play sand. In fact I would say a large percentage of cichlid owners have sand in their tank, with a lot of it being play sand. As far as how many pounds, you be surprised that the sand goes a long way. I added three bags (can't remember how many pounds in each bag,,standard play sand bag from a home center) and ended up having to take a lot of it out. Anyway, I am much happier with sand as I am sure you will be,,,big job though. I also used a large bucket filled about 3/4 and rinsed in the laundry sink until it ran clear. When I finally did put it in my tank the water was still a bit cloudy, I just did a couple of 50% water changes.
 
crazydaisylou said:
Do you have to have a special filter when you put in sand instead of stones? I asked one time about putting in sand in my tank (not on this site) and I was told that it would most likely break my filter in someway or another, so I shouldn't bother.


Thanks

Daisy <~~~~~ :screwy:
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I do not have a special filter. I have a HOB filter and it continures to work fine. I did read somewhere however that some people may cut their intake tubes to make them higher, thus being farther away from the sand.
 
doesnt play sand or sandbox sand get pretty stiff when it gets wet, like its pretty much like a clay? i remember my sandbox getting pretty stiff when it was submerged, and like the ocean that is pretty compact. can they still dig in this enviroment?

oh and i used about 10-15 lbs for my 10 gallon tank. always was told about one pound per gallon a bit more to let them dig is ok
 
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