Sand that won't cloud the tank?

[johnnyr]

I was reading about this in another forum a few weeks back, but can't remember the details...anyone have any idea what i'm talking about? It's apparently special and won't cloud the tank at all.

 

[newfishies]

i switched to pool filter sand today (from gravel). i had to rinse it, but it didn't take too long. i did it in my sink, using a bucket and the spray nozzle. i had a 50# bag that i used for a 20 gal long and 2- 10 gal. i also put a layer of flourite on the bottom of the tanks, as i am going to be planting them next!! the fourite takes FOREVER to rinse out, though. close to an hour for a 7 kg bag!! (~16#).

the tanks were a little cloudy for a few hours, but now they look great!

 

[johnnyr]

Did you have fish in your tank? If so, how did you go about doing the switch?

I heard that pool filter sand is sharp, and can cut/harm the bottom dwelling fish...is this incorrect?

 

[newfishies]

i do have fish in all the tanks... i changed the tanks one at a time, saving 50-100% of the water in 5 gal buckets. that's where i kept the fish during the change over.

i haven't heard that it is sharp...

i pretty much followed the guidelines from the pinned topic in the beginner's forum!!

 

[utahfish]

i have pool filtre sand in my tank. it barely even needs to be rinsed and doesnt cloud the water at all. the fish in my tank seem to like it fine. it's mixed with gravel.

 

[gwlee7]

I got "Lighthouse" brand pool filter sand from Home Depot and did not have to rinse it at all. Scoop it into your tank, place a plastic plate on top of the sand and gently pour your water onto the plate. As the aquarium fills, the plate will float and keep the sand from beign stirred up. Pool filter sand is not sharp and is heavy enough to be vacuumned like gravel. It was the smartest thing I have ever done in regards to tank maintenance.

 

[rdd1952]

i also put a layer of flourite on the bottom of the tanks, as i am going to be planting them next!!

newfishies, what you will end up with is the sand on the bottom and the flourite on top. All of the fine grained sand will start to settle in and the larger flourite will come to the top. It may take a while but the gentle vibration will cause it. It you want to see how it works, put some larger gravel in the bottom of a bucket and then cover it good with sand. Now start tapping or shaking the bucket. It won't be long before they change places. I am already experiencing it in my 75 gallon and it has only been set up for 2 weeks. It has Eco Complete Planted on the bottom and Tahitian Moon Sand on top. I can already see the courser rock coming up.

johnnyr, as for sand that won't cloud the tank, any sand will be fine as long as you wash it good. I hate that the Tahitian Moon sand I put in is settling through as it had a shiny look to it ans was stunning. It is expensive but definitely will not cloud the tank. It took me about 15 to 20 minutes to wash 40 lb. Once I put it in and started adding water, it stayed put. If I did disturb it, it immediately settled back without any cloudiness.