For Those Of You Thinking About Switching To Sand.

[Honeythorn]

I have sand in my 30 gal and I love it. It's based very loosely on the walstad method of substrate, as there is a 1/2 cm layer of aquatic compost on the very base of the tank, topped off with sand. The tank is well planted and has always been, so the roots have broken up the lower layers and the cories and loaches turn over the top layers of sand only. I just syphon as usual, swirling the nozzel just above the surface of the sand to get any detritus off. Looks fine and has never been any trouble at all.

I would love some black sand ( I'm a goth I can't help myself ! ) but I can't find it anywhere at all. All I can find in any LFS is what appears to be a very very fine gravel like substance, which on closer inspection looks like very tiny bits of crushed slate. Either way it looks quite sharp and I obviously don't want the loaches and cories anywhere near that .

So if anyone knows where I can obtain actual black SAND in the UK I would be most grateful for the info.

 

[minxfishy]

Do you ever go over to Hollybush, nr Cannock Honeythorn? They had some and I think that Coxwell Aquatics in Albrighton (wyevale garden centre) had some the other day too when I was over there. Worth giving thenm a ring to ask.

 

[OohFeeshy]

So if anyone knows where I can obtain actual black SAND in the UK I would be most grateful for the info.

Unless you go on several jollies to shops, generally the best/only way is via the internet. Quite a few online shops sell it, although it's definately not cheap.

 

[Honeythorn]

Do you ever go over to Hollybush, nr Cannock Honeythorn? They had some and I think that Coxwell Aquatics in Albrighton (wyevale garden centre) had some the other day too when I was over there. Worth giving thenm a ring to ask.

I have been to Hollybush yes ( bloody ignorant staff there though, I've had better interactions with minerals ) but I didn't see any black sand! I must call my brother and ask for the number...

I shall also traverse the internet and see what the prices are , see what I can afford and so on.

Thankyou both

 

[minxfishy]

no comment on the staff!!

The black sand was in the reptile dept!

 

[Honeythorn]

THAT would be the reason I didn't see it then! I never thought to look in there. Have you used this sand in aquaria? I mean is it suitable for fish and so on?

 

[Truck]

I mean is it suitable for fish and so on?

this is why i recomended an aquarium decor board then you would be able to get an answer quickly and effectivly

 

[aaronnorth]

honeythorn - http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...products_id=191

not sure if it is like sand, i fond most substrates labeled as black sand being very fine gravel.

 

[minxfishy]

THAT would be the reason I didn't see it then! I never thought to look in there. Have you used this sand in aquaria? I mean is it suitable for fish and so on?

Its the same sand as you can use in aquariums, just dyed black, has a picture of fish/reptiles on it, they sell the normal colour sand in the fish dept and the other colours in the reptile dept.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Just be a bit careful with stuff advertised for reptiles, they do a black Calci Sand which would be no good as it dissolves/increases pH. If it has pictures of fish on it, it should be OK, but maybe give it a quick test.