jusabuketin

hi. realli need help here

i was assigned to use a sand filter box [ a empty container actually] to keep the freshwater clean. This is my first time handling aquarium life.

What i have now is a pump that carry freshwater out of the aquarium into a filter located outside the aquarium and the filtered water will run back into the aquarium. So,my task is to add sand into the filter to ensure the filtration works effectively.

So, i bought CORAL SAND a wk ago and only just realise that it is not a right substrate for fresh water. Using coral sand will increase the pH and calcium content which will eventually harm the fresh water fishes. ( correct me if i am wrong). I know i am a noob.

May i know if its feasible to mix coral sand and other sand that is suitable for freshwater and use the mixture for filtration ? Or is dere other better solution beside throwing the coral sand aside =[ thxs in advance

jusabuketin

any help plz =[[[
Any help would be appreciated.

jdhef

I'm not at all familiar with sand filters, but since no one is replying I'll just give my uninformed thoughts.

It would seem to me that having any of the coral sand would raise your ph. But depending on what the ph of your tap water is, it may not raise it enough to be a problem. Most fish can adapt to a ph between 6 and 8. Also, some fish prefer a ph of 8 or so, such as African Cichlids and most Rainbow fish.

Shawnie

ive only heard of sand filters for pools..this is all new to me..

jusabuketin

thxs jdhef =D
much appreciated for the comments =]
i was wondering if putting larger percentage of aquarium sand and lower percentage of coral sand together will help to slightly prevent the increase of pH?, or will cause more harm to the poor fishes.

jdhef

I would think that logially speaking, diluting the ratio of coral sand to aquarium sand would have less affect on the ph, but once again this is just my guess.

Monksflat

I did something similar to this in highschool to show the filtration properties of wetlands. I used normal aquarium sand (it was a long time ago, I can't remember the name) and I had some very happy guppies for about 4 months until they moved into the aquarium in my Biology classroom. Someone else in my class used coral sand, and their fish didn't make it. I realize that it isn't much help, but it's something

soldieroffortune1974

crushed coral would be good to raise the ph of soft water (low mineral content) that lacks higher buffering capabilities.Coral does provide excellent biological filtration,but in freshwater,by itself;the coral will raise the ph above 8 and continue to rise over a period of time. Unless you are using soft water from a RO unit or distilled water,it's not a good choice.

For freshwater,I suggest just normal,everyday playsand.Washed,rinsed and put in the filter box. Mixing the sand with the coral (see above for coral buffering capabilities) you could use 1/4 coral to 3/4 sand.This mix wont raise the ph as fast,and it will leech needed minerals into the water at a slower rate,allowing the ph to reach a certain stable point (many factors,such as type of water,mineral content of original water also known as hardness,etc) There are benefits to using coral,but only if you understand water chemistry, buffers,hardness/softness and how to safely manipulate these properties for aquarium uses.

Lacking this knowledge,I wouldn't suggest using coral,as substrate,filter media or decor purposes.SO my recommendation is PLAYSAND.

jusabuketin

hey. thx alot for the advices and comments =D
i will take note of it.
thank you u all so much

jusabuketin

hm. what are example of inert sand tat give the best filter result ?

jusabuketin

may i know if pool filter sand or play sand give the best filtration result ?
thxs =]

soldieroffortune1974

I think that may be the point behind your project of choosing what media to place in the filter.i.e)what works and what doesn't

To find out which would give the best results,you just may have to try them both. I have only used playsand,the pool filter sand,I haven't used.

Good luck