Sand

[carpus]

can i use childs play sand in my tank and does it have to be treated ?

 

[QuotheRaven]

Yes childs play sand can be used however I believe it doesn't need to be treated rather thoroughly washed

 

[Spinal]

Though you can use "playsand"; and it "doesn't" have to be treated, as always, erring on the side of caution is a good idea.

You can microwave or presure cook it (micro, 5 mins; pressure cook, 15/30 mins from when the cooker reaches pressure). Though not absolutely necessary, this will make sure you don't introduce any foreign/malignant bacteria or eggs into your tank.

Also, make sure you wash the sand thoroughly to remove as much silt as possible, as the silt will cloud your water (and you will need a very fine filter sponge to remove it effectively)

Spinal

 

[carpus]

Though you can use "playsand"; and it "doesn't" have to be treated, as always, erring on the side of caution is a good idea.

You can microwave or presure cook it (micro, 5 mins; pressure cook, 15/30 mins from when the cooker reaches pressure). Though not absolutely necessary, this will make sure you don't introduce any foreign/malignant bacteria or eggs into your tank.

Also, make sure you wash the sand thoroughly to remove as much silt as possible, as the silt will cloud your water (and you will need a very fine filter sponge to remove it effectively)

Spinal

what is the best way to wash it
do i just keep rinsing it it a bucket with cold water
im just setting my tank up so im in no rush as ive got no fish or plants yet

 

[voo]

I rinsed mine in a bucket but some kept spilling out and it needed washing many many times. I gave up after washing each bucket 5 times each. I was only washing small amounts at a time too!!

I've heard of some using pillow cases. Put the sand inside and keep rinsing it.

When you do get round to adding the sand to the tank the water will most likely go cloudy. This is just the silt in the sand and the filter will take care of this. It doesnt do any harm to the fish so don't worry.

 

[xJake]

I've heard of some using pillow cases. Put the sand inside and keep rinsing it.

I was using a pillow case to wash mine but it got to be a pain as you could only do it in small amounts otherwise the pillow case would tear or it wouldn't get washed throughly leaving the aquarium water mucky. Now I use a shallow plastic storage bin that I drilled holes in the bottom of. I then cut out the inside part of the lid and just left the frame with the part that snaps down. I put an old bed sheet in between the lid and the storage bin and then snap the modified lid down into place. I then place sand on the sheet and wash it without having to strain my back holding it and get all wet. You also lose less and as it can't really stick to the sheet like it would the inside of the pillow case.

 

[carpus]

[thanks for all your help
ive sorted it and it looks good and very clear
Thanks again

 

[Spinal]

Though you can use "playsand"; and it "doesn't" have to be treated, as always, erring on the side of caution is a good idea.

You can microwave or presure cook it (micro, 5 mins; pressure cook, 15/30 mins from when the cooker reaches pressure). Though not absolutely necessary, this will make sure you don't introduce any foreign/malignant bacteria or eggs into your tank.

Also, make sure you wash the sand thoroughly to remove as much silt as possible, as the silt will cloud your water (and you will need a very fine filter sponge to remove it effectively)

Spinal

what is the best way to wash it
do i just keep rinsing it it a bucket with cold water
im just setting my tank up so im in no rush as ive got no fish or plants yet

I know you've got it washed, but I thought I'de add a comment anyways. The way you wash sand really depends on the sand. If you have very fine sand (and want very fine sand) then you will best be washing it in a pillow case. If, on the other hand you want/have coarser sand; a bucket works better. Put the sand in, put a hose, swirl it a few times with the hose on full blast. Anything that doesn't settle withing 10/20 seconds you pour out. The longer you wait, the finer your end result. The less you wait, the coarser.

A friend reccomended using a stocking. Filling it partially, then putting it in a bucket and washing the stocking. I haven't tried this yet, but I just got my hands on a spare 3ft tank, so I'll try it there...

Michele