Sand? Expensive Or Cheap Stuff

[markandhisfish]

so called "aquatic" sand is merely another sales gimmick to get punters to part with much more cash than they have to .

 

[pippoodle]

all my tanks have argos play sand and all are quite heavilly planted with no rotting plant issues

no silicate remover added to my filters either just normal sponge , ceramics , floss and balls and regular maintenance

 

[Inchworm]

"Play" sand is fine and smooth because it is intended to be used in toddlers' sand boxes. What you want to avoid is builders sand which can be composed of grains with sharp edges. It's usually silty and needs careful rinsing to remove all traces of dirt and foreign particles. I like to clean small batches at a time, in a dishpan. Take your time with this part of the job and save yourself the trouble of having a cloudy tank and a clogged up filter.

 

[ChiNA MaN]

play sand is fine if washed well.

 

[forby3]

no complaints at all i use argos play sand and i think its fine looks gd too and for the price who can grumble

 

[mixmaster jay]

as long as the water you are washing the sand in is virtually clear playsand is great but ive fopund it needs to be aggitated every couple of weeks or so otherwise it gets harmfull gas pockets and turns black and stagnent smelly but ive got it 5" deep at the back and 2" at the front

 

[aaronnorth]

as long as the water you are washing the sand in is virtually clear playsand is great but ive fopund it needs to be aggitated every couple of weeks or so otherwise it gets harmfull gas pockets and turns black and stagnent smelly but ive got it 5" deep at the back and 2" at the front

hydrogen sulfide pockets are not dangerous, as soon as the bubbles are released the H2S is instantly oxidized rendering it harmless, and the smell is just the sulphur leftover.

You should get some silicate remover for your filter medium if ur going to use cheap sand

why?

 

[NaughtyT]

Another one here for argos play sand and have had no problems whatsoever.