Sand for 120g community

nzhang1001

nzhang1001

AC Members
Feb 17, 2007
91
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Queens, NYC
Hi. I need your opinions/suggestions to select the right kind of sand for my tank, as you see it’ll be a humongous PITA otherwise.
Tank pic – http://www.pbase.com/nz1/image/77200673/large
Right now there are 3” deep small river stones, as rough gravel might cause turtle impaction. However food & waste easily sink into the gaps. I do have a Python system that does the job, but there are areas it cannot get to. Hopefully I'll be able to fill the gaps with sand.
Here are the questions/concerns – :)
  • What kind of sand has largest & smooth grain and won’t affect PH? I have a few hundred pounds of regular sand leftover (for mixing concrete) in the garage, usable?
  • The hygro and the swords are large rooted plants and need water flow around the roots to absorb nutrient. Will sand work?
  • The stones are heavier and will ALWAYS stay at the bottom, right?
Thanks much.
 
Test the sand with muriatic acid. If it doesn't bubble or fizz it will work.

Size however is a different story.

You want sand that has an average grain size of around 1-2 mm to avoid problems. That's pretty coarse sand.

The stones will always come to the top. The larger grains always end up on top. It's just the way it is. You cover those rocks with sand you will have sand on the bottom with rocks on top. And that's not a good thing.
 
Rex Grigg said:
Test the sand with muriatic acid. If it doesn't bubble or fizz it will work.

Size however is a different story.

You want sand that has an average grain size of around 1-2 mm to avoid problems. That's pretty coarse sand.

The stones will always come to the top. The larger grains always end up on top. It's just the way it is. You cover those rocks with sand you will have sand on the bottom with rocks on top. And that's not a good thing.
Click to expand...
Thank you, Rex.

I guess regular sand won't work for my case then. Perhaps some other materials that have less density?
 
I now have 2” deep of the same river stones plus 2-pound-per-3-gallon of fine gravel (2-3mm, almost sand-like, suggested by an experienced person) in another tank, worked great. The Amazon Sword grows a new leaf every other day. While using gravel vac, the gravel will be sucked up easily and fall back on top.
This exactly what I wanted. Benefits:
1. smooth river stones prevent diggers from uprooting the plants and re-landscaping
2. food stay on top for bottom feeders, and less waste get trapped
Thanks again.
 
Hey, will sandbox sand work??? It is filtered and everything
 
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