Suitable Freshwater Sand?

[Matt101905]

Good luck. I hope everything works out. Post some pics when you're all done, I'd love to see it.

Will do thanks...I bet people will be suprised buy the huge peiece of wood I have in my 55. :lol:

 

[spottea]

What ever sand or blasting you buy make sure it is screened, prewashed and kiln dried. Alot of play sands will say not suitable for aquarium use. This is because it has something in it (maybe an algeaside) to keep it from molding in the play box. I had read a while back on it and if I can find it I will post a link for you or just copy the text in.
Pool filter sand usually is the safest. The silica is nothing to worry about. If I remember correctly it is basically what the earth crust is made from (sand etc. so no matter what you use, play sand or pool sand or sand blasting sand it is Silica) The dust is what you don't want to inhale. So I don't think it will be a problem for fish.
I had a bigger issue with algae blooms though so not sure if that in combo with the water had anything to do with it.

Anyhow make sure you research whatever you use before doing it but really all of those options will have little to no impact on the fish. Unless it has a chem. in it then there is a problem.
gl

I want to switch to sand too, and the guys at the LFS sent me to a pool supply place. I bought 50lb filter sand, 30 grit for $11.50 and I think it will be OK. He said there are 3 sizes, but he only had the 30, so I got that as I need to get the sand washed and in the tank soon. (getting a larger tank!) I appreciate the sand thread already answering the questions I was about to ask. great!
Sand for aquariums is hard to find around here, except for the marine kind, and I didn't really want the giant sack of playsand, even though it's cheaper. Last time I tried a little of it, and it took me ages to get it clean.

 

[Wisegy84]

Cleaning the play sand took a bit, but it wasn't too bad. I only had to fill my bucket up about half way two times. But I did rinse the sand several times, more than I kept count of, anyway. I used the plate method to fill the tank with water and it worked perfectly. No cloudiness. The water is crystal clear. Here are a couple pics:

 

[thebrandon]

looks great!