Two Questions

[WayneVT08]

Okay so I got my stand built, I just have to stain it and then I'll be able to start.

I want to do a sand substrate, so what type of sand should I use and where should I get it from? I've heard play sand from a hardware store or just sand from the LFS.

And, rocks. Like slate rocks, actual rocks, not the plastic ones in the stores, where should I get those from and how do I know if they are aquarium safe?

Thank you.

 

[dixiedawn]

K, playsand is supposed to be good, just make sure it's rinsed well! I'm planning on this for my 50 gal, so am with ya on that one!

I've heard differences of opinions as far as rocks, plain old slate, flowerpots, rocks from streams n stuff, ppl put in their tanks, however methods of cleaning are a whole nother ball game. Some folks boil and some just clean well with warm tap water, can't help ya there. someone else can tho

 

[rdd1952]

As a general rule, the cheaper sand is, the more difficult it is to clean, i.e., get all the fine dust out of it. Play sand works fine but does take a while to clean and will almost certainly cloud your tank for a few days. The other end of the spectrum is something lke Tahitian Moon Sand which is black and expensive (about $20 in the US for 20lb) but extremey easy to clean. Just rinse for 3 to 5 minutes and put in the tank. It will settle straight to the bottom will not cloud the water. Pool filter sand is another option and woud fall somewhere in the middle. As a general rule, most fish prefer a slightly darker substrate. it doesn't have to be black but white isn't the best for them. It would also show all the trash and waste.

As for rocks, slate s very good and can be bought at most true fish stores and also at landscaping supply stores. You can also use rocks you find in your yard but need to clean them good and also do a vinegar test to make sure they won't alter you pH upward. Just put couple drops of vinegar on the rock. If it fizzes, then it will also raise you pH.

 

[rabbut]

Okay so I got my stand built, I just have to stain it and then I'll be able to start.

I want to do a sand substrate, so what type of sand should I use and where should I get it from? I've heard play sand from a hardware store or just sand from the LFS.

And, rocks. Like slate rocks, actual rocks, not the plastic ones in the stores, where should I get those from and how do I know if they are aquarium safe?

Thank you.

Hi there
As far as I am aware, sand from either a lfs of hardware store are equily suited to an aquarium, just so long as your intended substrate is washed before use. Rocks are able to be picked up more or less anywhere. You need to wash prior to use, and avoid limestone. Run a vinigar drop test. This involves dropping a little vinigar onto the object. If the vinigar rolls off, its safe, if it fizzes it's not.
hth
rabbut

 

[WayneVT08]

Okay, and rdd, where I used to live in NJ was called Mt. holly. kinda weird eh.

I think I might go with a black substrate then. I wanted a real natural feel with a "beige" sand, but we'll have to see.

What about this for a sand substrate?

sand substrate

or even this

another sand substrate

 

[rdd1952]

I actually met someone the other day that lived in Mt. Holly, NJ. There is also one in SC and I think Michigan.

I don't think you want the sand you linked to. I looked at the reviews and it says that it buffers the pH to 8.0. I also found this on Seachem's site. That would be fine if you plan to keep African cichlids but most tropical species such as tetras, danios, angls, etc. prefer slightly acidic water.

Edited for spelling. God, I cant type any more.

 

[WayneVT08]

That's interesting.

But what kind of sand would I want for tropical fish? the Tahitian moon sand? Or is there something on petsmart's or petco's site that you can link to for me?

I don't think I've seen the Tahitian moon sand around in any petsmart or petco, even though we do have a petland over by the mall I haven't been there in a while. I might have to "steal" my dad's car tomorrow and take a drive over there. If you could just give me brands and products to look for, because if I see something, that I think will be good for the tank I'll just buy it on the spot, I have about 50 bucks in my wallet now and a 400 something dollar paycheck tomorrow. But I think all of that is going to the bank for my car.

 

[rdd1952]

What you want is a sand that says it does not alter pH or buffering capacity. Basically, something that is inert.

 

[backley420]

didn't bother reading other comments---

rocks- any rock that does not dislove in water is fine

sand- i used silicon blasting sand- cleaned it well and it looks pretty good

 

[Musho3210]

most fish stores that sell sand sell marine sand, aka bad sand for tropical freshwater (with exceptions like african cichlids etc). Buy it at home depot..... Get playsand....

 

[rdd1952]

All of the fish stores near me have the TMS and not strictly marine sands.

 

[WayneVT08]

rdd fish stores meaning not chain stores? like petsmart etc

alright play sand and or silicon blasting sand from home depot is my best bet?

And is this a good master test kit?

test kit

or this test kit?

 

[rdd1952]

Even the Petsmart near me has it. That's where I bought the last bag I got. Not certain about Petco though as I rarely go in there. The play sand and blasting sand should work. As mentioned they take a little more effort to clean though. They will give you the tanish color you were looking for.

Edit: I forgot the test kit. I'm not a fan of monitors. You never know when they will stop working. And in a cycling tank, you really need to know what the actual level of ammonia and nitrite (not on that monitor) are so you know how the cycle is progressing (fishless cycle) and to know when to do waer changes if you are cycling with fish. Here is the kit that most members seem to use.

 

[WayneVT08]

I edited that post above your last one rdd so look at that if you don't mind and, the TMS and the play sand is close to the same thing except they are different colors and one is easier to clean than the other?

 

[rdd1952]

The Mardel kit is a strip and those are usually very inaccurate. In the long run they are also more expensive. That particular kit is $23.00 for 25 ammonia tests and 25 5 in 1 tests. The worst thing about the 5 in 1 strips is that during cycling, you don't really need to test for pH that often, mainly ammonia and nitrite. And the alkalinity and hardness test are something you don't really need to know at all unless you are having problems with pH stability. With the one I referenced, you will get approimately 100 of each test (ammonia, nitrite, pH and notrate) for only $20.