Thinking On Switching To Sand

[QuotheRaven]

G'day

I currently have a 75 gallon tank and I wish to swap the gravel to sand however I have some questions.

1: The water in Melbourne Australia is Soft-Medium Soft what sand can I get that won't muck up with the water alot.
2:Where do I find this sand as my LFS only has crushed coral sand.
3: Could a layer of gravel and sand on top of it work better or worse??
and any other info would help.

 

[Captain Retardo]

Go to your local hardware store and find play sand. That's what I did. You can have gravel on bottom and sand on top, but you need to get a gravel tidy.

 

[ImperfectFaerie]

I'm trying to find a really good post that was made on the subject, but some odd reason I can't at the moment. I'll toss it in when I do come across it. However, the good 'ol search button turned up a nice compilation of articles for you. Check this out hopefully it'll help-
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showto...and+swap+gravel

Edit- I'm a moron who can't look to the top of my screen hahaha, here's the PINNED (see? I'm the sharpest tool in the shed for cryin out loud) thread that I found so very informative. Enjoy-
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=131373

 

[scubadoo]

Just beware that if you're changing over an existing cycled tank, many others on the board have had issues with the tank undergoing a mini cycle after completing the switch.

I'd be tempted to do it in sections over a few weeks - say 20-25% per week.

 

[QuotheRaven]

well I really just need to know what sand is safe for fish tanks??

 

[xJake]

Go to a local hardware/garden store and buy play sand. The only thing you have to do to it is wash it in an old pillow case with a hose until the water runs clear. Then it can be used as a substrate and won't muck up the tank water.

 

[QuotheRaven]

How much does play sand cost regularly for a bag?? ANy price would help in any value.

 

[scubadoo]

Well I'd do a quick search on the website for a local garden or diy store.

In the UK play sand is about £2.50 for a 15Kg bag - so its cheap - what's that about $7-9 AUs?