How Much Sand To Use?

[Miller2009]

I'm really thinking of changing my gravel to sand but I've no idea how much I'd need or how deep it should be. The dimensions are 84x44 cm, also I use a powerhead is this a problem and I'm planning on just using play sand from Argos if its good enough?

Then hopefully I'm little corys will enjoy the sand more.

 

[plectastic]

They will. Inch to inch and a half for planted.

 

[FreshwaterAfishianado]

I used play sand in my 4ft tank, just make sure you rinse, rinse, and rinse some more. It took me about 2 hours of washing to get a 50lb bag clean enough. There is a lot more silt than in the aquarium ready sand, but its not even comparable in price. A 50lb bag of all natural play sand cost me less than $4 at home depot, a 20lb bag of sand cost about $30 at lfs.

 

[Miller2009]

So will a 15kg bag be enough to use or will I need a little more?

 

[Miller2009]

I found a substrate calculator which I used and it says about 23kg (50 lbs) about 3cm (just over a inch) deep all over. Does this seem ok or do I need to use more or less? Also what's the best thing to do to keep the deadly gas pockets away?

 

[David J]

Hi

I put sand in my Fluval Roma 90 which measures 60 x 35cm on the bottom. I put 8kg in which makes it just over an inch deep. If your tank is 84 x 44cm it is no more than 1.5 times the size of mine so I would say a 15 kg back should give you at least an inch and a half, maybe more.

David

 

[Miller2009]

Cool a trip to Argos for some play sand looks in order I even went out and bought a couple more buckets to make the job a little easier.

 

[SamB]

i used black diamond blasting sand which required little to no rinsing. 

 

[mhancock]

Be very careful, I used Argos sand and lost two lovely adult angels, pH was off the scale (alkali).

2 bags should be enough, cories will indeed be happy, but watch pH and be ready for a big water change if necessary.

 

[Steffyboy]

Don't use the Argos play sand..It's rubbish!!
I used Kiln dried sand from B&Q and it's fantastic!
Just make sure you wash it thoroughly and pour away...best thing i ever did swapping from gravel to sand.
I always buy more because it's handy to have plus after months of cleaning, you will lose some so it's handy to have for top ups!

 

[Miller2009]

Is it worth getting the aquarium sand then if all other sand are no good but its a lot more expensive.

 

[Steffyboy]

It's up to you and what you're prepared to pay.
Why pay lots when you can do it for a lot less?!!
The Kiln dried i have always used is fantastic. Looks great and the fish love it.
My albino corys and weather loach have never been so happy with it!!

 

[Miller2009]

Might have a look in my not so lfs but a better one at that so see if they've any in fingers crossed they might have some on offer or they'll know a dealer who can.

 

[plectastic]

Disagree with the play sand comment. Used it in 3 tanks now. If you have problems with it you are not washing it right or long enough. It's very good for the money.

 

[David J]

My sand was from dobbies. Not sure if they have a store near you but they stock a few different types of sand near me, if that helps any.