Sand FAQ

[depthC]

Alright i updated the faq once again and added 4 more q and a's. They should address any of the recent questions asked.

itchy - The nutrients the plants need depend on the amount of light and the plants. But for example you got moderate lighting and are injecting C02, the plants may need additional plant sticks. These are just sticks basically that you push in the gravel under the plants roots and they use the stick to derive some nutrients they need. And again sand is NOT useless for plants.


EDIT: Make that 5 new q and a's. Thanks lotus.

- depthC

[Somonas]

One more thing we could do is compile a list of Brand Names/Product Names/Stores where you can get sand. Walking into a building supply store and asking for "sand for an aquarium" usually results in a strange look and a the petsmart is down the street look.

so lets try and do
Store Name - Product Name - Brand Name - Price - Size

some stores I can think of (here in canada) would be home depot, rona warehouse, canadian tire, walmart, home hardware, the building box, builders warehouse. I'll be going to home depot and rona tonight and it would be interesting to see how our selection varies from some one's in the US.

[Somonas]

Sakcrete All Purpose Dried Sand, 40kg bag, Home Depot $4.47 C$

Bag

Colour and texture (dry)

[depthC]

To be honest im not quiet sure how compiling this list will benefit others to much. The prices vary from every store, state, and country. So making a accurate list would be near impossible. The sand that most of us recommend is cheap play sand and ive never found it for more than $5 US so the price isnt to important IMO. So yeah i just dont feel that its important to add. Anyone else have a different perspective to add?

Sorry to oppose Somonas, i just dont feel its necessary.

- depthC

[fwishee]

Another question about sand. Is it possible to get your water totally clear with a sand substrate?

I washed the sand out before putting it in the tank, but there are still little particles of it floating throught the tank. Its not cloudy or anything - you can only see them when the light is on, but the water is not 'perfect'.

[ladyhawk]

For a answer on 'if the water will clear'?

I have a 55 gallon with sand substrate. Most of it is LFS white sand and about 1/2 bag Play sand. I had some sand float around the top for a long time and cloud clearer during a fishless cycle.

Stuff your filter with filter floss and change it every day for about a week. That will usally do the trick. The only cloud problem I have since it all finally cleared was from useing hot water from my tap. (need to clean the hot water heater)

So answer is yes...it will be clear on day

Hope that helps

[Ripnhammer]

wow thx for the great info, i was just asking some of these exact q's the other day, shoulda searched first

[revfred]

the larger grained "sand" used with concrete is called "torpedo sand". There is still the compaction problem.

[ladyhawk]

Just to share since we are talking about sand

I have used 3 types of sand. Each was a different brand and color. First was white, only remember it came from LFS in small bags. That stuff had a lot of fine particals that would float for ever. But when setteled it looks nice. 2nd- Play sand Ohh how dirty! Took forever to clean.

3rd...the Black Moon sand. Sold at Drs.FosterSmith and at Petsmart. So far It has been the easyest to clean. Seems like it will be very nice sand to use. Pretty and I love to easy to clean part

[Mere Air]

Is there an optimum depth for planted tanks? For unplanted tanks?