Switching To Sand

[lovell_89]

I think im going to be changing over to sand soon but cant decide whether to have black sand or ordinary coloured sand, what do you think, what looks best. I've been looking for some tahitian moon sand but can't find it for sale except in america, but i did find this:black sand
i know its for reptiles but do you thinkit would be ok its the only black sand i can find.
One last question, how do you get all the crap off sand if you can't use a gravel vacuum because it will just suck all the sand up.
Thanks for any help.

 

[kris-b-]

I'm not sure if the sand is ok or not so I couldn't tell you but if you read through this thread....

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597&st=48

There a few tips about using your gravel vac to clean the sand

 

[grumpymole]

I think im going to be changing over to sand soon but cant decide whether to have black sand or ordinary coloured sand, what do you think, what looks best. I've been looking for some tahitian moon sand but can't find it for sale except in america, but i did find this:black sand
i know its for reptiles but do you thinkit would be ok its the only black sand i can find.
One last question, how do you get all the crap off sand if you can't use a gravel vacuum because it will just suck all the sand up.
Thanks for any help.

normal sand is probably your best bet as black sand is for reptiles, as for the crap thing i dont know

 

[Bloo]

I think im going to be changing over to sand soon but cant decide whether to have black sand or ordinary coloured sand, what do you think, what looks best. I've been looking for some tahitian moon sand but can't find it for sale except in america, but i did find this:black sand
i know its for reptiles but do you thinkit would be ok its the only black sand i can find.
One last question, how do you get all the crap off sand if you can't use a gravel vacuum because it will just suck all the sand up.
Thanks for any help.

I'd write to the manufacturers and check. Check the size or the grain and check if suitable for aquatic set-up's....my gut instinct would be that it's unsuitable. It could be too fine and dusty - which will cause compacting and particles being sucked up by the filter and eventually leading to it's breakdown.

To clean, just gently swirl the siphon an inch above the sand. To ensure it doesn't compact (and build up dangerous pockets of gas) you need to run something like a chopstick through the sand every other week or so. Also ensure to clean under logs (the weight can also cause compacting).

 

[Teelie]

That reptile sand is probably an extremely light, "powdery" kind that would cloud up very easily in an aquarium. Go with the regular kind of sand I say. Also no telling what kind of pH the reptile sand may have.

 

[lovell_89]

thanks for the fast replies, i steer clear of reptile sand thanks very much.