Freshwater Sand

[bluesword23516]

I was just wondering about freshwater sand.  I am getting ready to set up a betta tank.  The tank is about 8 gallons, I want to do all new substrate, preferably sand, and have some safe rocks to put in.  I want to also get some live plants, I have done a few basic ones before so I will just choose those.  
 
Do pets store even sell freshwater sand? I see a lot of sands online, but it is for saltwater tanks.  I am assuming its not safe to put in freshwater tanks, especially with a betta. 
 
Any thoughts are welcomed.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Petsmart & Petco sell sand, or you can get some really cheap at Home Depot or Lowes. Wherever you get it, be sure to rinse it thoroughly.

 

[rms]

Play sand for childrens sand pits. Way cheaper than so called 'aquarium sand' and guaranteed it's clean and safe. Get mine from Argos, but not sure where in the States. Maybe Walmart or something like that??

 

[starlitsunrise]

I've also heard children's play sand from home depot works well Going to be trying it out for myself soon. 

 

[bluesword23516]

Is the children sand safe? If so we have a sand box and I can just grab some of that.

 

[Ninjouzata]

Yes though I'm not sure if you want to get it out of your sand box. Do you cover it up when it rains?
Am just wondering if any chemicals could be in it..then again you wouldn't be letting kids play in it if that were the case? :c
 
Rinse it very well. When you think you're done rinsing..rinse some more

 

[vespabloke27]

Play sand for childrens sand pits. Way cheaper than so called 'aquarium sand' and guaranteed it's clean and safe. Get mine from Argos, but not sure where in the States. Maybe Walmart or something like that??

this is what use and ive had no problems.. just make sure its ultra clean!!!

 

[orangegecko]

You could also use pool filter sand and like everyone here said...  Rinse it and keep rinsing it!

 

[looking-glass]

cant be the old play sand 

just give it a good rinse and your ready to go

 

[bluesword23516]

Cool. I might do that instead.  That way I can buy more decorations for the betta.

 

[looking-glass]

thats the way i would look at it