Which is best sand to use for a tropical aquarium?

Question

I'll be replacing the gravel in my tropical tank with inert sand, as I understand it's easier to keep clean with the fish-poop resting on top of the sand bed rather than sinking and hiding between large gravel gaps.

But having never used sand before, what's the best typeto look out for? I already know to avoid coral sand due to its water-hardening properties. What colour do most people use? I want something that's natural-looking resembling tropical environments. A shop showed me silica sand, but that was too creamy in colour and unnatural looking, and that was the only colour he had. Does silica sand come in all colours, as I'm wondering if black sand, silver sand, etc, are all different forms of "silica sand"?

Answer 1

Sand used for childrens' sand boxes is actually very good for fish tanks. First, rinse it thoroughly in a bucket until all the floating sediment is gone. Then, slowly add it to your tank (with the filter off and the fish out of the tank). Let the sand settle for about 2 hours. By the time the sand is done settling, your tank should be pretty clear. At this time, you can turn on your filter and add the fish back in. Play sand will not affect any water parameters. Also, to clean the sand, use a siphon and hover it just above the sand. Wet sand is heavy (and compact) enough that it will stay put while the fish waste is removed. Unless you have Goldfish (which you shouldn't keep in a tropical tank anyway), all fish will be fine with sand. When placing decorations, remember to place them directly onto the bottom of the tank, DO NOT SET THEM ON TOP OF THE SAND. Fish can dig under decorations (if placed on the sand) and cause them to collapse, leading to injury or death. Email me if you have any questions.

Nosoop4u

EDT: Wet sand is compact enough that it will not be kicked up by the filter. Also, you will have to "rake" your sand once a week to prevent the buildup of anaerobic bacteria that create toxic gasses (just rake the and after you siphon the tank).

Ghappy, please email me at [e-mail] when you get a chance. I would like to ask you some questions regarding saltwater tank setups.

Answer 2

Best Aquarium Sand

Answer 3

All three of my tanks are sand and it's all I'll use - you've heard right, as long as you go about it the right way it's super easy. Once per week I syphon off the top and stir it up a bit, and that's all it needs, and the tank stays a million times cleaner then with gravel.

I buy regular old beach sand from home depot. It's a brand called king, it looks good, and it's virtually free of dust and a few rinses was all it took - and it costs just a few bucks per 50lb bag. Another option you have is regular blasting sand from the hardware store - it's inert and does the job well, and as mentioend above any playsand will work, but some are dustier then others.

One word of warning: sand will ruin the impeller of a hanging filter. Make sure you hang it well above the sand bed and turn them off before maintenance. I've since switched all my tanks to canisters because they are sand-friendly.

Answer 4

I have both sand and gravel substrates and to be honest both have there plus sides. I use child play sand, you need to wash it so your water doesn't get cloudy, I'm not sure about coloured sand but it sounds quite cool and something I'm now going to consider myself for my future tanks. Good luck with your answer

Answer 5

I never heard that before. Sand is NOT easy to care for. It gets clogged into EVERYTHING. And it vacuums up just as easily as the fish poop. If you insist on trying, though, just get some ordinary construction quality sand. They might even have it in colors for making colored cement. Either way, it's a hardware project that you'll need to go to Home Depot or Ace or whatever is near you to get the needed materials from.

Answer 6

I have only used gravel with my tank...I would suggest to get some expert advice from an aquarium dealer.

Answer 7

sand from pet shops do not use your own, gravel is also a good idea

Answer 8

The best adivse I can give you is to go to www.tetra-fish.co.uk
membership is free and if you can't find your answer you can ask the experts there.


Jay

Answer 9

Go to your lfs and have a look, they will advise you, there is lots of different sand you could buy both natural and colored

Answer 10

very confusing task. query with google or bing. it will help!