Sand

mr.geronimo23

AC Members
Dec 23, 2004
50
0
0
47
West Palm Beach , Florida
Can I use play sand and filter pool sand for my aquarium ? if not why ? I have seen people taking diferent sides on this subject and would be nice to know the pros and the cons on using this product .Thanks
 
I use pool filter sand....and love it!!! It is much easier to clean because all debris collects right on the surface. The only thing i have to do to it, that i wouldn't do if it were gravel is stir it. Once a week i stir it with a wooden dowel to release gasses that get cought in the sand.
 
The thing about sand is that you have to make sure it doesn't compact. Like if you put a big rock on top of it, that will create a problem. Snails, plants things like that will help aerate it. You just have to be careful of dead zones. I have never had those problems with any other substrate. So I don't use sand.

If you want to have large rocks put the rocks on some Styrofoam on the bottom of the tank before you add the sand.
 
I haven't found any so far. If you want an opinion from someone who really knows his stuff send a private message to Harlock. He is great for advise...His tank inspired me to use sand and he gave me some pointers on it as i was making the transition....He would probably answer any of your concerns very well.
 
I use play sand in one of my tanks, it's great. Pool filter sand has a larger grain and many people prefer it (my HD was out so I got play sand instead), but play sand works as well. As said, it's really easy to clean since debris collects on top. Some people have had problems with sand getting into their filters and recommend a sponge over the filter intake. I think it's a good idea and I use a sponge both to protect the impeller and my shrimp/snails.
 
AquariaCentral.com