Buying sand

[nino]

where can i buy sand that is cheap and safe for aquariums? i have been searching previous posts but am not finding much.

also, is there a rule of thumb for gravel/sand per gallon of tank? i'd like to know how much i'm going to need. i've never done sand before or experienced the look in person so i want to test it out on a 2.5 gallon betta tank before i start on the bigger tanks.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi nino

Perhaps the safest and least expensive kind of sand is common play sand. You can find it at Home Depot or other home improvement store for around $3.00 for 50 pounds.

This is fine sand with rounded edges and it is sold with the expectation that it will be safe for toddler's delicate skin. It's safe to use with corys or other fish that have barbels.

The only thing that some people don't like about it is that it takes some effort to wash the silt out of it. IMHO, it's lovely natural sand and the price is right; I'll put in a little extra work to make it work.

With gravel, the rule of thumb is to use about a pound per gallon of water, but sand is different. I'm not sure of weight, but you will never want to have more than 1/2 to 1 inch of it. More than that and dangerous anaerobic bacteria can form in it. But don't worry about using the recommended amount.

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

for my tank i used river sand i think it was, used for garden landscaping. very very fine and soft and very easy to clean.

 

[freddyk]

We can't use a gallon rule because it can't make any sense. For example, there is a tank that is 20 gallons that has the same footprint as a typical 29 gallon tank, yet they would both use the same amount of sand.

About an inch is a good number. Play sand and pool filter sand are all popular and work quite well, the latter tending to be much less dusty. I bought a play sand that is just washed beach sand and it look good and is completely free of dust.

 

[The-Wolf]

hi
this topic may help you choosing sand
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597

and Tankmaster will give you the amount of sand you need for you tank.
(click aquarium analyzer)

 

[Clairel]

I got my sand from my lfs, its a big bag for £13.99..... I only needed one large bag for my 180 litre...

C x

 

[funkybodal]

I find that the LFS charges rip off prices for sand, play sand is dead cheap and great. I use ZOOM! Beach sand from the Early Learning Centre ...magical stuff.