Sand...

[JustSpongeIt]

Where is a good place to buy sand for my shell dwelling cichlids? I've heard that people have bought sand from home depot and places like that. Is that a good idea because the sand at my LSF is super expencive

 

[scrimman]

Somewhere in your town is a place that sells sandblasting sand.  If I can find it in this place, I know you can find it there.  If I remember correctly, you need #1 or #2 size.  Just be sure to rinse the everlovin snot out of it.  I got 100 lbs for $5 or so just last month.

 

[ronrca]

Im not sure about sandblasting sand but Home Depot has steriled sand for relatively cheap. I bought some for my 20G which is cracked though so I havent been able to test it yet.

 

[mrfootball70]

i believe home depot sells silica sand for "sandboxes" which is sterile and fish safe..but you could always be safe and just ask..good luck

 

[Ovrclckd]

If live in the eastern US, go to your local Home Depot and look for tropical play sand by southdown. Its the same stuff as caribsea aragonite, same mine even, just one tenth of the price. If that fails, go for silica.

 

[clothahump]

I have tried using play pit sand from Toysrus, it is sterile and very clean but I find it compacts down too hard and becomes anareobic, I use silica sand from the local garden centre, sold as silver sand to mix with potting compost, $2.50 per 25kg.
This can be mixed with other substrate media to make it go further.
I mix it with pond compost and use it in my tropical tanks.  8)