Substrate Options

[leecasey]

I'm have a Rio 400 and I was going to keep some Green Terrors and/or Jack Dempseys.

I like fine black sand, but its quite expensive and the tank is quite large. I'll probably end up buying it but does anyone else have any cost effective alternatives? Sources?

Thanks

 

[micko]

Play sand but I really don't know if you can get that in black.

 

[leecasey]

Play sand but I really don't know if you can get that in black.

Lol, I've just spent 10mins googling "black play sand" funnily enough. I think you're right, I don't think it exists. Would be good if it did though. Dragons Den anyone?

 

[Randi]

Home centers carry lots of different colors of sand used for setting pavers. You'll have to check the ingredients thought, I'm not sure if it is suitable for aquariums. I've also seen very fine black gravel at hobby shops that people use in model train set-ups.

 

[micko]

I've seen a type of very very fine gravel, nearly looks like sand, its £7 per 5kg in a lfs near me but I haven't seen it anywhere else and they don't have a website, sorry.

 

[Katty]

I've heard of a a product called "3m color quartz" that comes in black, but you have to call the 3M company and ask for distributors, if they even still make it anymore. Its used for swimming pools or something.

 

[leecasey]

I've seen a type of very very fine gravel, nearly looks like sand, its £7 per 5kg in a lfs near me but I haven't seen it anywhere else and they don't have a website, sorry.

I'm after around 50kg so still works out expensive. Managed to find some black play sand, its expensive for play sand but still cheaper than say Tahitian Moon Sand. (i think lol)
http/www.rainbowwoodchips.co.uk/cube/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=48

 

[ian]

i'd be a little weary regarding black playsand...i would email em first to see if it's aquarium safe. If it is then let us know, as this question comes up quite regulaly. Moon sand is the normal way to go.

 

[leecasey]

i'd be a little weary regarding black playsand...i would email em first to see if it's aquarium safe. If it is then let us know, as this question comes up quite regulaly. Moon sand is the normal way to go.

I've asked the question, will let you know the outcome.

 

[Binge]

I cant attest to the saftey of it for Fish but crayola just put out a realy dark purple play sand The bags I saw were not a pastel purple it was a deep rich color so it may be an alternative /.

 

[Hoppo]

+1 on the Crayola play/art sand. I picked up a 20# bag at Home Depot for $5. My color is a dark Navy Blue, they also had a hot Pink at the store I was at. But maybe they might have more colors on there Website, havent checked. The sand is very fine, doesnt swirl or cloud when disturbed. Pretty clean when I rinsed it. Its been a day since I did my change over and so far so good with everything and everybody.

 

[leecasey]

Really wanted black, but they dont seem to have that colour shame

 

[leecasey]

I've been assured the coloured play sand is suitable for Aquariums. They have black and it works out £1.40 / KG, delivered. Quite a bit cheaper than TMS. I might give it a go.

This is the place:
http/rainbowwoodchips.com/productssand.html