What Playsand Is And Isn't Safe?

[Gurglar]

I wanna convert my tank to sand and need to know what do I look for in sand thats safe or what are some brands that people know are safe in playsand?

 

[aly_starh]

I wanna convert my tank to sand and need to know what do I look for in sand thats safe or what are some brands that people know are safe in playsand?

As far as experience goes, the following are safe;-

Toys r us Play Sand
Argos Play Sand
Asda Play Sand (although it takes ages settling)

 

[awilson360]

Argos Play Sand is excellent. I gave mine a very good rinse and it all settled straight away with no clouding. Fully recommended!

 

[BigIan]

I`ve got it from B&Q before and no problems there.

 

[W8TSON]

I wanna use sand but been told NOT to use anything apart from the proper stuff, having a large tank id need a good few bags that will cost a bomb!

So is it safe to say i can go out and buy argos sand and have no problems with my fishys?

 

[Twinklecaz]

Yeah, loads of us use it.

Was the person who told you to use the proper tank stuff by any chance working in an LFS?

 

[W8TSON]

No was on another forum.. (Tropical Fish Forums UK)

EDIT: off out later on to get some, you guys use this correct?
http/www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3650574/Trail/searchtext%3EPLAY+SAND.htm

 

[BigIan]

play sand is designed for children so it has been cleaned and is in essence "pure sand" if such a thing exists, and so is safe to use in the aquarium.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Yeah that's the stuff. Make sure you give it a good wash though coz it tends to be really dusty!

 

[W8TSON]

Cool, cheers guys!

someone else said something about air pockets in the sand or something that can kill the fish?

 

[BigIan]

Cool, cheers guys!

someone else said something about air pockets in the sand or something that can kill the fish?

I`ve never had that issue at all and i have sand 4 inches deep in my aquariums. get your self some malasian trumpet snails they do good work at keeping the sand clean

 

[Twinklecaz]

The air pockets - yeah gasses can collect in the sand that can hard fish. When you do your weekly clean, just swirl the sand around with your finger to release anything that's building up.

It proper upsets Corys when you move "their" sand though!