Substrate Dilemma

[Aquatic City]

Alright, so I have noticed that a lot of the fish I would like to include in my new set up prefer dark sand substrate (for example, kuhli loaches). I can find dark, 1/8in gravel for a reasonable price, and I can find lighter colored sand substrate for a very reasonable price, but I can't find any dark sand substrate locally for less than $1 per lb, and I want about 100-150 lbs, so it's more than I'd like to pay. So...

A.) Is the dark, finer gravel going to be okay? It is more grey than black.
B.) Could regular sand substrate be acceptable if there is plenty of decor and hiding places to darken up the bottom?
C.) Do I absolutely need to save up the money for dark sand substrate before looking into these species?

I would like to provide a suitable habitat for the fish I am keeping, I'm just wondering whether there may be an acceptable compromise.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

A.) Is the dark, finer gravel going to be okay? It is more grey than black. Kuhlis would appreciate sand.
B.) Could regular sand substrate be acceptable if there is plenty of decor and hiding places to darken up the bottom? Regular sand would be perfectly fine.
C.) Do I absolutely need to save up the money for dark sand substrate before looking into these species? Nope.

 

[reptileguy2727]

Just use sand.

FYI there is a whole article on sand in my blog you may want to check out.

 

[jm1212]

personally i would go with the least expensive sand that you can find...that rules out most types you will find in the LFS though

 

[gustavo85]

personally i would go with the least expensive sand that you can find...that rules out most types you will find in the LFS though

Would basic river sand sold in hardware or construction stores work? I've heard that they could get into the impeller and some people use pantyhose for that. Does this work? (Sorry to post like this in your thread...it's getting more attention than mine http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1681257#post1681257 )

 

[Aquatic City]

So... pool filter sand or play sand would be suitable? Thanks for the advice, everyone! It is kind of a bummer that dark, cheap sand is so difficult to find though. It looks so nice.

No problem, Gustavo. I have not seen river sand sold in bulk in my area, but you never know... It doesn't hurt to look around. As for impeller problems, I heard that as long as you turn off your equipment momentarily when your sand is going to be swirled around a lot (while initially adding it, when churning the sand bed, etc.) and then do not turn it on again until the sand is settled, you should be fine. I'm definitely not the expert though.

 

[bert]

What does pool filter sand look like and are there different kinds with different ingredients that should be avoided ?

 

[reptileguy2727]

They are all silica-based, which is fine.

Most sands are white to medium tan. You will have to look around to see what is available in your area. I personally only trust aquarium sands (I use Estes' Marine Sand).

 

[avatar]

I have had pool filter sand in my reef tank for over a year and it is working very well. You will want to wash it thoroughly before putting it into your tank to get the really fine particulates out, otherwise you wont be able to see your fish for a week.

 

[bert]

what is the best method of washing it ? I am thinking in a bucket 1/4 full and fill with water about 3/4th full and swish around and pour off the top water, sound right ?