Sand Substrate

[JHR]

Hey guys as girls.

I'm getting a larger tank and I want to use sand as a substrate.

I've read that normal play sand is acceptable for use provided it is rinsed well.

I was wondering if ASDA play sand (which is like £2 a kilogram) would be acceptable to use and how many kgs should I buy for a tank that is 32x14 inches at the bottom?

Cheers all!

Ps. This is the sand

 

[fluttermoth]

I'm sure that sand is fine, though I haven't used it myself, I know other people have.

You will need quite a few bags if they're only a kilo; I normally buy the 25kg bags from Argos, and about half of that does a three foot tank. The Argos one would work out cheaper, it's only £3 or so.

 

[The-Wolf]

play sand is ok but it does compact down over time resulting in dead areas, which is fine if you remember to stir it up periodically.
I use pool filter sand (available from any swimming pool suppliers) as the grains are of a consistent size and uniformly round
this means it doesn't compact down and never needs stirring.

 

[Salam]

I got the Argos one too and I would guess one bag is more than enough. Depends on whether you want live plants or not, if you do then you need 1-2 inch at least.

Make sure you wash it out before putting it into your tank. Just put it in a bucket and let the garden hose run through it for an hour or two. You will see how the water clears.

 

[The-Wolf]

pool filter sand needs no washing either

 

[JHR]

Thanks for the replies guys,
Is pool filter sand expensive?

I haven't decided on live plants or not yet but I probably will have 1 or 2

 

[The-Wolf]

last time I purchased some (approx 4 years ago) it was £13 for 25 kg

 

[JHR]

Oh cool do you remember where you got it?

 

[The-Wolf]

yes but they went bust.
if you're in the tonbridge area then try http/www.poolpeople.co.uk/

 

[JHR]

Unfortunately I am not, however I decided to buy the sand and I rinsed it etc. and it looks great

 

[NeonNeptune]

Wow over in the UK sand is expensive! I bought a bag of play sand yesterday and for 25 kilos it was $3.75 USD. But it worked well, put it in my tank this morning after rinsing and the water is clearing up real good.

 

[JHR]

Everything is expensive in the uk man...

You should see our fuel prices lol