want to put play sand in tank

I added a sand pit after the initial setup using play sand. Make sure to stir it every now and then while washing. For adding it without having it cloud I used a plastic cup. If you tip the cup into the water slowly all the sand will stay inside it, making it easy to pour out where you want it, without it clouding up. Worked great for a 10 gallon, for a bigger tank Agnes' 2L bottle idea sounds more practical.
-Rob
 
AgnesJG said:
I have pool filter sand in my tanks. It's got a natural sand color to it like play sand but without the hassle. It didn't get cloudy and is really easy to clean. Plus I think it looks really nice. :D
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Hear hear for PFS. I agree with everything you've said about it. I used play sand in one of my tanks (fortunately it was just my 3g) and it lasted all of a month before I swapped substrates again. Pool filter sand is MUCH cleaner and better looking, IMO.
 
Here's another vote for pool filter sand. I mix it with fluorite and my plants do well. You will still get a little clouding, but it should clear in a day or 2. For the long term..it doesn't stay white. It does pick up color from plants, waste. IMO..not a problem, it looks natural.
 
I have been wanting to put sand in my tanks. I want a sand that is a cream color, or tan. Can you switch an already established tank from gravel to sand? Will the sand particles floating in the water harm the fish? Do snails do well with sand?
 
jodi: Yes, No, Yes.

Here's a picture of my 90 w/pool filter sand. It's a nice light khaki color.

5-22-06-sand.jpg
 
That is exactly what I want beatle. What brand of sand is that? Did you get it at a Lowe's or Home Depot or something like that? How much was it?
 
That is a beautiful tank that you got there Beatle. Love the caves. Is that just driftwood with some holes in it or did you make it that way? :) You can buy pool filter sand at any pool supply store...
 
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If you are changing out your substrate from gravel to sand you will be starting a mini cycle in your tank. I suggest removing 1/2 at a time although I did do mine 100% with no bad results except to cycle it again. Take all of your gravel out then wash the pool filter sand in de-chlorinated water till it's clearer, doesnt take long. Now do as AgnesJG suggested and cut the bottom from a 2 litre pop bottle. Put the sand ,with some of the water for smooth flow, in the bottle and cap it. Put the bottle in your tank and open it near the bottom. You'll be able to aim it where you want and have zero to very little clouding. If it starts to slow down just tilt the bottle into your tank a bit to get more water in it.

Oh ya, in Canada it costs 20.00 for a 50 lb bag of PFS at the pool supply store, make sure it's in a bag.
 
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Will it still cause a mini cycle if I have 2 filters that hang on the back of the tank that have 6 filter cartridges. Wont that sustain the bacteria in the tank?
 
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