Can U Use Play Sand?

[dave1987]

iv read somewhere on the internet that play sand is ok for the aqaurium how would you go around using this and putting it into a tank that is allready set up with gravel as i would much prefer sand is it hard to maintain? can anyone help me please

 

[SJ2K]

Changing substrate in an established tank is a challenge, if you can dump your fish into a temp tank then you've got a chance. If you completly empty your tank of water to change the substrate though ensure to leave your filter media in a bucket of old tank water. Dry media = dead bacteria.

 

[backtotropical]

Also, is your tank planted?

There was a thread on here not so long ago where people were saying play sand isn't so good if you're not using live plants because it compacts too much. With live plants, the root growth stops that from being a problem.

I'll see if i can find it.

 

[backtotropical]

Here it is.

Definitely worth a read before you decide.

 

[raptorrex]

Here it is.

Definitely worth a read before you decide.

indeed. but with a little good housekeeping, even an unplanted tank will have no problems. if you know compaction is a problem, you just don't let it happen

 

[Musho3210]

ive also read the exact opposite saying compacting is good for plants since when it compacts it creates anaerobic spots and anaerobic bacteria converts stuff for plants to consume easier.

 

[Thirdfloor]

ive also read the exact opposite saying compacting is good for plants since when it compacts it creates anaerobic spots and anaerobic bacteria converts stuff for plants to consume easier.

I've read that those pockets of anaerobic bacteria can be pretty lethal for your fish if the gasses escape? I'm certainly no expert but I can't imagine they would be anything other than harmful for fish. (assuming you do have fish in the tank)

 

[tetraqueen]

If you do use play sand remember if it's to be used for children under EC rules it would have been treated and I would not believe this to be anything either than heat or chemically treated and would assume both. I also think a high salt content maybe there as our tropicals do not usually come from the ocean but mostly rivers, estuaries, lakes etc.??? I might be talking wrong but you need to find out from those that do use it.

 

[dave1987]

Thanks guys i think il stay away from playsand sounds like its not worth risking but can anyone reccommend a good cheap sand that i could use pleas and thanks for the advice

 

[**sarahp**]

Have a look at this linky a good thread about play sand abd 'Catfish are cool' comes up with a good way to swap over from gravel.

As to the anearobic pockets there is a thread here that is well worth a read

I have argos play sand in my tank and tis fab!

 

[dave1987]

thanks taht was a great tip could i take the gravel out and put sand in there whilst the fish are in there would this do them any harm obviously i would turn the filter off whilst doing this though thanks

 

[GRJ]

I have used play sand in my new set up with no problems whatsoever. Its a bugger to clean as you spend hours washing the stuff in buckets but sooo much cheaper than aquarium sand and looks cool too! My cichlids love it. Like i say, you must wash it thoroughly by filling a bucket half way with sand, run a hose pipe into the bucket and swish the sand about while the water is flowing. You will get murky, grey water coming off it for ages. Just keep running the water over it and swishing it every now and again. After around 15-20 minutes, turn off the hose and let the sand and water settle. If the water is clear and you can see the sand in the bucket, its done, if not repeat the proces till it is clean. It took 3 buckets of sand for my 180ltr tank. Hope that helps. GRJ

 

[raptorrex]

i know i was a protagonist in the first link posted, to be honest, it was the fist time i had hear of the problem, since then i have done some research. my conclusion is that playsand is as safe as any other tank addition you can get. you can stir the sand regularly or simply avoid stiring it at all. both work just as well. and if in the future you decide to go planted, you have a head start over those who don't use it! as a result i will be using it in my next tank revamp! you cant say fairer than that!

 

[dave1987]

I have used play sand in my new set up with no problems whatsoever. Its a bugger to clean as you spend hours washing the stuff in buckets but sooo much cheaper than aquarium sand and looks cool too! My cichlids love it. Like i say, you must wash it thoroughly by filling a bucket half way with sand, run a hose pipe into the bucket and swish the sand about while the water is flowing. You will get murky, grey water coming off it for ages. Just keep running the water over it and swishing it every now and again. After around 15-20 minutes, turn off the hose and let the sand and water settle. If the water is clear and you can see the sand in the bucket, its done, if not repeat the proces till it is clean. It took 3 buckets of sand for my 180ltr tank. Hope that helps. GRJ

thansk i will definately convert to sand just got to work out how to di now though with the fish still in there

 

[GRJ]

Well, i started from scratch so i dont know really, but an idea would be to fill a large bucket with water from your tank and put an air stone in their and put your fish in there. Do this AFTER you have your sand washed and ready. Try and save as much old tank water as you can to put back in too. So, you have your sand ready, buckets ready with water in and air stone. Put your fish in the bucket with the air stone while you empty your tank and remove everything from your tank. Any ornaments ect put in old tank water too. Once you have taken your old substrate out, give the tank a clean and add your sand. Start adding your old tank water, try to get 50% old tank water and then re-introduce your fish, then top the rest up with clean dechlorinated water. I have heard other people use this method but must stres to you that i have not personally! Wait for the sand to settle before turning your filter on too, as it can damage the impeller on your filter. It should settle in around 10 minutes. Hope that helps. GRJ