Replacing Gravel with Sand. What Sand to get?

[Phate06]

Hi All

I am looking to replace the gravel substrate with Sand. I cannot get hold of Pool Filter Sand but have found these. In your opinion are any of them suitable?
http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/brett-horticultural-sand---maxi-bag-877989
http://www.homebase.co.uk/en/homebaseuk/soft-play-sand---midi-pack-374055
http://www.argos.co.uk/product/3650574

Thanks

 

[**sarahp**]

Hi there!

I have the argos play sand in my tank. Looks really good. I just make sure I wash it thorughly before I put it in. The cories love it!

 

[Phate06]

Hi there!

I have the argos play sand in my tank. Looks really good. I just make sure I wash it thorughly before I put it in. The cories love it!

Thanks


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[Byron]

Of the three linked sands, forget the first (horticultural sand), and go with a play sand. Play sand is the most refined sand (of the non-aquarium specific sands) so it is safe for fish including the substrate dwellers like cories, loaches, catfish, cichlids, etc. I have play sand in all 8 tanks now. Plants grow very well in it.

If you decide to go with one of the aquarium-specific sands, which will be very much more expensive, avoid white at all costs. This is not good for fish. Dark colours are fine, though as I say very expensive. Play Sand is natural and very inexpensive.

Byron.

 

[Phate06]

Thanks Byron that's the answer I was looking for


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[ShinySideUp]

You only buy it once, buy the best and that is aquarium sand. I'm not sure I agree with Byron though about buying white sand. My sand is quite light, if not white but I am assuming he means that really white sand might contain ground up shells and so would harden the water?

 

[Byron]

You only buy it once, buy the best and that is aquarium sand. I'm not sure I agree with Byron though about buying white sand. My sand is quite light, if not white but I am assuming he means that really white sand might contain ground up shells and so would harden the water?

That is a possible issue, but it is the white itself (white, not light) that is the problem. Fish can be stressed over a white substrate as it is not natural. Then with a tank light, the white reflects light back up, which further stresses fish. The darker the substrate, the better the fish will like it.

 

[Toney]

I just did coal slag

 

[ShinySideUp]

That is a possible issue, but it is the white itself (white, not light) that is the problem. Fish can be stressed over a white substrate as it is not natural. Then with a tank light, the white reflects light back up, which further stresses fish. The darker the substrate, the better the fish will like it.

Hmm, I think I might add more dead leaves then, just in case.

 

[NickAu]

I think I might add more dead leaves then, just in case.

Your Kuhli Loaches will love that, I have about an inch thick stack of Indian almond leaf ( in varying stages of decomposition, every week I add a new leaf to the top of the stack) in one corner of the tank behind some plants and its loach central, They just love hiding among all the leaves, so do my shrimp.

 

[ShinySideUp]

Your Kuhli Loaches will love that.

Indeed they do, I see them much more than if the leaves were not there.

 

[NickAu]

The more places they have to hid and feel secure the more they come out, I can put my hand in the tank now holding a pellet of food and my loaches are ok sitting in the palm eating, As long as I don't move.

 

[ShinySideUp]

Never got that far but the tank is too deep to reach the bottom easily. The Clown Loaches will come up and eat bloodworm from my fingers.

 

[Phate06]

Thanks for everyones replies, Play sand is in and looking good