Sand substrate?

[devlyyn]

I tried it in my 10 gallon first too to see how it would look. I think you'll find you like it and its actually easier to keep clean than gravel. Its harder to keep looking clean since you can see all the debris on the bottom but its easier to keep functionally clean since you can see what you need to suck up.

 

[loki993]

I have Tahitian Moon black sand and I love it. Really sets off the colors of my fish, especially my Paradise Fish.

just got 80 pounds of the moon sand for the 55. will be picking it up today and will probably change over saturday, cant wait.

 

[cyclops23]

so how do you "clean" the sand before putting it in your tank?

 

[destined_love7]

You all have been so helpful! I love this place!

 

[devlyyn]

what I did to clean the sand before I put it in was just pour a little bit at a time in a 5 gallon bucket and fill it up about halfway with the hose. The first time you rinse it a whole bunch of nastiness will float up to the top and you just keep rinsing, stirring and pouring the water out until you feel its clean. Its never going to look crystal clear in the bucket so just wash it several times and you should be ok.

 

[destined_love7]

What kind of sand did you use, Devlyyn?

 

[jagr200]

How much of the moon sand would I need for my New 55 Gallon tank that I am getting this weekend in Denver?

 

[destined_love7]

I've heard a pound per gallon for about an inch and a half.

 

[devlyyn]

I used play sand from Lowe's at about 3.50$/ 50lb bag. Its about 1lb per gallon for 1.5-2" of depth, I bought 100lb for my 75 gallon and had a bit left over.

 

[destined_love7]

Well I got some of that Quickcrete all purpose sand today. Washed it and put it in my 10 gallon. (I had to buy a 50 pound bag!) It hasn't settled yet, but I think I'm going to like it. I can't wait till I get it planted so I can show you.