This Sand Okay?

[Winterlily]

After the discussion about using sand as a substrate, I went to a pool supply store today and got some pool filter sand as suggested. I had to ask for it, they went and got it (50 lb bag!) and the guy put it in the car for me after I paid for it. Only when I got back in the car to leave did I really get to look at it. It's called Mystic White and is actually white (instead of tan). Most importantly though, it says each grain is cut "angular" instead of round. I think this must NOT be what I want, right? Here's a link to the sand itself so you can see what I mean.

I can return it easily, just want to make sure I should. Thanks!

 

[doresy]

Most kinds of sand are ok to use.

However, if you can return your purchase without a problem that would be my choice

Anything white in you tank will become an algae magnet.

Playsand is what you want. Argos do it for around £3 for 15kg or any DIY store like B&Q or Homebase. Just rinse it VERY well

Whoops, just seen that you are not from my shores.......I guess your kids must play with sand too so you probably have playsand in your DIY stores

 

[chesterscot]

yep argos play sand is the way to go thats what i use anyway
regards scot

sorry just seen where you are as well

 

[afishdude]

I would go to lows or home depot and get a bag of sand. Sift the big rocks out with a colander and it looks great.

 

[Winterlily]

Okay thank you everyone! I did return it, and will be getting play sand tomorrow.

 

[Winterlily]

Just to quadruple-check: I bought a bag of play sand from Toys R Us - cleaned it up and put it one of my small tanks. Looks nice, good tan color. Before I put my betta in, just checking that play sand from there is okay? Shouldn't be any different (or less safe) than that from a DIY place, right?

 

[doresy]

Just to quadruple-check: I bought a bag of play sand from Toys R Us - cleaned it up and put it one of my small tanks. Looks nice, good tan color. Before I put my betta in, just checking that play sand from there is okay? Shouldn't be any different (or less safe) than that from a DIY place, right?

Sounds perfect. Think about it, Toys R Us would hardly sell play sand for kids to play in and probably eat so I doubt it would hurt a fish........relax! but do remember to run plenty of water through it first to remove dust that would cloud your tank

 

[marksp]

Just to quadruple-check: I bought a bag of play sand from Toys R Us - cleaned it up and put it one of my small tanks. Looks nice, good tan color. Before I put my betta in, just checking that play sand from there is okay? Shouldn't be any different (or less safe) than that from a DIY place, right?

I have 18 tanks all with Play sand from ToysRus
Any play sand will be clean and non toxic - killing kids when u run a toy shop is bad for business

 

[home breeders]

i may go with the carab - sea but depending on funds.

i may need to go for play sand whats the best way to wash and rinse it ?

 

[doresy]

i may go with the carab - sea but depending on funds.

i may need to go for play sand whats the best way to wash and rinse it ?

Stick some in a bucket, shove a hose in it and when the flow clears put the sand in the tank. Repeat untill all the sand is done

 

[marksp]

i may go with the carab - sea but depending on funds.

i may need to go for play sand whats the best way to wash and rinse it ?

Half fill a bucket and run your hose pipe in to it to get the worst out but....in the end it wont matter too much

 

[home breeders]

i may go with the carab - sea but depending on funds.

i may need to go for play sand whats the best way to wash and rinse it ?

Half fill a bucket and run your hose pipe in to it to get the worst out but....in the end it wont matter too much

ok thanks guys

 

[Winterlily]

Okay - thanks guys. I didn't expect it would be a problem - as you say, it is made for kids after all. I was only concerned that perhaps it had some sort of treatment like anti-bacterial or anti-mold or something else like that, that would be perfectly safe for little humans, not so perfectly safe for our fish.

Glad to hear it's a-ok, though.

BTW ... I washed mine in a bucket in the sink (small bits at a time), turning the sand over and over with my hands as the water poured on it, dumping all the water out entirely every once in a while, and the tank was only cloudy for maybe an hour.

Anyhow - thanks again.

 

[Cdarmychi]

Winterlily, love you dearly, but if you keep worrying over everything you will get an ulcer

Sakura

 

[Winterlily]

Well, but see, Sakura, it's one of the few things I do really well.....!