More Sand Questions

[heyimeugene]

Okay I've read enough about this thing you people call "sand"... haha anyways I have a few questions that riddle me... here goes!

1.)
I have a freshwater setup... I went to the LFS (petco) and saw a bag of sand.. said it was made of coral? I'm guessing it's not meant for my FW tank because coral can mess with my water? IF SO, what sand is good for my FW tank?

2.)
How do I go about cleaning this sand... if I use my gravel vac will the sand go out with the water too?

3.)
I just like the thought of a smooth floor... dont you?

Thanks guys!

 

[CFC]

1) Yes coral sand is for marine and rift valley tanks only, in FW tanks it will raise the pH too high for most tropicals. I use silver/playpit sand as it is inert and doesnt affect pH though some people feel that it is too heavy to use in a tank.

2) To clean sand just run the end of a length of hose about 1" above the sand, discard the plunger part as you will ot be able to get enough suction to bring the poop up off the sand with it attached.

3) If its a smooth floor you want then avoid sand, sand is more easily shaped by the fish and water currents in the tank and so will be much more contoured than gravel giving it a more natural appearance.

 

[Teelie]

I use Pool Filter sand and just go over it with the siphon as close as I can without pulling it up. Before you add sand though, makes sure it is clean and washed thoroughly. Wash it good at least 6 times before you put it in to get the lightest stuff out of there.