Sand Switch

[Angry_Platy]

I have read The-Wolfs pinned thread in FAQ on how to change to sand but have a few extra questions....I am currently in the middle of washing my sand.....

1. There seems to be largeish black bits sitting on top of the sand that are hard to remove. Is this normal? Should I try to remove them?

2. The sand when dry was a cream, beach-sand colour. Now it is wet it is kinda dark.....like a beige colour. When I have the bright lights over it, will it look cream again?

3. Do I need to drain ALL the water from my tank to be able to put the sand in?

4. What is the maximum depth I should be aiming for? The calculations I am doing now are telling me it will be approx 1 3/4 inches deep. Is this too deep?

Thanks

 

[The-Wolf]

1) depends on the sand used. what sand is it? playsand, silica sand etc?
2) all sand will look darker when wet, this is to do with refraction of light in water.
3) no, but fish should be removed to reduce the amount of stress caused to them. If possible keep them in total darkness during the change over.
4) nothing deeper than 2" IMHO.

 

[Sky042]

depends on the sand.
I bought playsand once that was sorta cream and then once wet was darker grey/beige but didn't care because I was mixing with black anyways

However if you want really really light colored sand that still has that bright beach look even under water go to Wal-Mart. There you'll find in a red and clear bag under the brand name Garden Basics Play Sand it keeps that light color and looks great in the tank. Plus it really needed very little rinsing it was very clean.

 

[The-Wolf]

I don't think there is a wal-mart close to Australia

 

[Sky042]

I don't think there is a wal-mart close to Australia

didn't notice his location.

 

[Polardbear]

I found it easier to drain all but about an inch of the water before adding the sand. The little bit of water made it easier to smooth out than when I did a tank with no water in it. Also, don't forget to lay something (like a plastic garbage bag) on top of the sand before you start filling with water, it'll help prevent getting supended particles. You'll still get some particles floating around but your filter will be able to clear it up real quick.

Hope your having fun washing your sand! I know I did!

 

[scott67892002]

did mine yesterday. wash small amounts at a time. when you put it in the tank have about four inches of water and use a cup to scoop out you clean wet sand and lower it slowly in the the water then pour it gently on to the base to the tank when you fill the tank back up set up a bucket about the same hight as the middle of the tank and the have a hose syphoning in to the tank. because of its hieght it will syphon nice and slowly. i wedged my hose in th sand so it was pointing upwards. it didnt distub the sand and my tank is crystal clear. thats how i did it and way!!

 

[Undawada]

This is a little off-topic, but did anyone else think this topic was called sandwich?

 

[ncjharris]

This is a little off-topic, but did anyone else think this topic was called sandwich?

Hell yes!

I was going to come in here and make some random comment about making sure you use the right pickle and how crusty bread is so much better than wholemeal, but I thought - nah, people will just think he is odd/a weirdo/an insomniac/trying to get his post count up (yes to all three).

So I didn't until you posted!


hahahahahahaaha