What Type Of Sand Is Good For My Aquarium And Where Can I Get It

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

I have decided to get sand for my aquarium. I read up on commonly used sands for aquariums. I think that my best choice is silica sand but I can't find any place that sells it. If you know some website or have a different suggestion for fine sand please reply.

 

[StandbySetting]

Any childrens play sand will be fine providing it is in a sealed bag, just wash it well.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Where are you?

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

I live in south Dakota

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

Is the play sand soft for the fish. I have cories so it needs to be soft.

 

[This Old Spouse]

We just found some wonderful sand-blasting sand at Home Depot for cheap. It's ground quartz and is just like a sugar sand beach. Ivory colored and very soft.

Play sand is okay too, but you really have to rinse it and rinse it and rinse it some more. It's not a consistent size either, so the finer stuff goes to the bottom and the coarser stuff stays on top. It's a medium to dark brown.

 

[bristlenoseitplecoman]

is the sand called silica. also can I use that sand in my aquarium

 

[This Younger Spouse]

is the sand called silica. also can I use that sand in my aquarium

Yes to both.

 

[Mikaila31]

I get mine of the ground TBH

 

[This Old Spouse]

I get mine of the ground TBH

I wouldn't do this because the stuff you get off the ground has all sorts of nasties in it. If you haven't had trouble with it yet, consider yourself lucky.

 

[This Younger Spouse]

Not to mention, the silica sandblasting sand mentioned here is uniform in size, not sharp, and costs $4 USD for a 50 lb bag at Home Depot or Menard's stores. One bag was easily enough for my 55 galllon.

 

[This Old Spouse]

And boy is it clean! Great stuff.