Sand Substrate

Chrisinator

Chrisinator

Ripariumist
Sep 27, 2008
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North Jersey
Real Name
Chris
I'm gonna go out tomorrow and get a sand substrate for my new 38G tank. I was wondering what type of sand I use. I'm not really sure exactly on the difference between pool filter sand and play sand. I went to home depot today and was extremely confused on which sand to get so I didn't get any.


Does home depot sell pool filter sand? Also, what's the brand name? If playsand, which brand name?

thanks!
 
actual sand as a substrate is quite messy and in my experience,more trouble than its worth.it is tedious to prepare,never quite goes where you want it,and is constantly getting kicked up with even the slightest disturbance.it also tends to compact in areas which can make dead spots in the substrate.i would go with the smallest grain gravel you can find.there are a few products that look like sand without its drawbacks.good luck.
 
Playsand tends to have many different colors in it and the grains are quite rough.

Pool Filter Sand is white with few discolorations and has more rounded grains.
 
Ive had sand before and i know thr pain of cleaning it. The thing i like about sand is the gunk says on top of it.


Im really thinking about getting tahitian moon sand but its expensive.
 
thats one of the ones i was thinking of.yup,expensive.i use ada amazonia 2.expensive,yes,but well worth it.
 
If I could, I'd definetely be getting high quality sand but that fact that I need a couple bags mean I'm gonna spend over $50 bucks just for sand. It's kinda suckisssh, I know.


But, If I really don't like Pool Filter Sand (which I think I'm going for), I think I'll switch it out since it's relatively inexpensive. But, i'm not sure.
 
I've had play sand without any issues, yeah it clouds up the tank when you first add it to water, but it settles over night. My tanks came out beautifully and I loved the results I had with it. I used it for a couple 55 gallon live plant tanks and had no issues, and the plants did fine in it.


I'm actually in the midst of changing my 55 gallon from cichlids to a live plant tank and plan on buying 20 lbs of eco-complete and covering it with play sand.

I always get my play sand from home depot and only pay around $3 for a 50lb bag.
 
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