How much sand?

[iam1ru12]

I'm preparing to set up a planted 36"x18"x18" tank. I was thinking of using sand or very fine gravel as substrate, which shall be 2" deep.

I'm not so sure if I got my calculations right:

With sand's density estimated at 45-55 kgs/cubic foot, I would need 35 kgs of sand to fill a 0.77 cu. ft. area (3 ft x 1.5 ft x 0.17 ft).
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Am I right? [These measurements are making me dizzy...]

 

[DAVIDFBT]

Or just buy a 100 pound bag of Pool filter sand for 20 dollars and fill it up to your choosing.

 

[Weezer]

It looks to be about 50 gallons, 75 pounds should get to the depth you want, you will loose some over time while doing maintenance so as posted maybe get a little extra, or see how it turns out, you can always add more later........

 

[Bk718]

http://www.plantedtank.net/substratecalculator.html

 

[Fishy_Fun]

i bought a 50 pound bag and it was perfect.

 

[Aquario72]

I am considering the same idea, going from gravel to a sand substrate, although I've read in the past that with sand you end up getting Nitrogen Sulfide pockets more often tha you would ever will with gravel. The sand does look 100 times better than gravel I think, mre of a natural look to the tank.