Tropical Sand

[kimmeh121]

Hi guys just wondering what sand to get for my tank, i oviusly know not to get cement sand or anything... would marine sand be okay? I have a fire eel so need to change the stones thanks

 

[jacko32]

no you dont want marine sand it will raise your pH if you want just plain sand then the playsand from toys r us or argos is fine just wash it in a bucket first

 

[kimmeh121]

hello little confused as someone at a fish shop told me today NOT to use playsand as all the chemicals and such a highly bad for the fish.... iv ordered a 15kg bag aswell from agros

 

[Mr Spoon]

Argos play sand is fine, i have it in 3 tanks.

 

[kimmeh121]

ooooh I always thaught that fish shop was a bit dodgy as they have LOOOADS of these tattooed parrot fish and other fish which i think is cruel and for each of these fish they wanted like £25 just because they have fancy colours and stuff on them. they just seem to want you to put your hands in your pockets... as it goes they did try and sell me this small bag of marine sand for like £10 even though i did say i have a tropical tank but they said they were 100% sure that it was safe, but ill go ahead of what i planned anyway and use the play sand thanks for your help much appreciated

 

[kimmeh121]

oh shoot just one more question, do i need to take out ALL of the water??? or do i just dig in and take all the stones out
??

 

[jacko32]

oh shoot just one more question, do i need to take out ALL of the water??? or do i just dig in and take all the stones out
??

i would take the water out as it takes ages for the sand to settle
then just refill useing the plate or bowl method this way the water clears alot quicker
as for chemicles in the play sand as long as you rinse it it will be fine after all it is for small kids who are always putting there hands in there mouths

 

[raptorrex]

oh shoot just one more question, do i need to take out ALL of the water??? or do i just dig in and take all the stones out
??

well i didn't. i removed half the water. then, carefully, added the sand. pouring it out of a small container. prior to this i, washed and washed the sand (argos play sand). Oh, dont forget to switch off your filter.

 

[kimmeh121]

thanks been alot of help guy I can still use my internal filter?? its a fluval u4

 

[jacko32]

thanks been alot of help guy I can still use my internal filter?? its a fluval u4

yes just turn it off untill the water clears or the sand will block it up

 

[raptorrex]

thanks been alot of help guy I can still use my internal filter?? its a fluval u4

yes just turn it off untill the water clears or the sand will block it up

indeed, very important. you don't want to be buying a new impeller, even if the sand is cheap.