Calab

I'm looking at using sand as the substrate in my new (to me) 33 gallon tank, along with some gravel.

This tank did come with sand, but it's white... almost a pale blue. I believe that it's glass dust. It definately does not look natural (unless you were doing a tank from the north pole).

I hear that pool filter sand is cheap, and better to use than play sand.

What does pool filter sand look like? Is it brown like play sand?

Bede

Its white, didn't have any blue tone to it though, just plain white, if anything it might look a little more off-white/warm-toned than bright blue-white, if that makes any sense at all.

It was cheap too, $8 for a 50 pound bag.

lalynya

Unless previous owner had medicated the fish...It might have turned sand blue

Calab

Ahh... Didn't think of that!

FishFolk

We have pool sand in 3 tanks and it is great. It is more white than anything but may have a creamy color. It is very cheap too. The pool folks may look at you like you are nuts (ours did) but go ahead and buy your one bag and have happy fish!

Butterfly

The pool filter sand I have had ranged from bright white to a definite beige color. Looks great in the tank.
carol

bb1252

Im glad this question was asked. I am also looking at the best option for sand in my new 90 gal. Ive heard pool filter sand is the best because its rounded but I could only find one picture of it and it looked too white for my taste, but I bet theres a range in color. Does anyone have any pictures of theirs to show?

Butterfly

Maybe you can tell a little about it
75G re-done
Carol

Calab

I ended up using "Target" brand playsand from Home Depot. It had very little clay/silt in it so it cleaned up pretty easily.

I orignally tried some "Burnco" brand playsand, but that is easily 50% clay. I NEVER was able to clean it up enough to be useable.

Both were a normal, tan sand colour.

I'm sure that pool sand would be even cleaner but I never did find out what it looked like.

I've also heard of "glass sand". It's basically white and has been "polished" to remove sharp edges. I imagine that it could come in multiple colours, but I haven't really looked into it. This is not to be confused with silica sand that is sharp and bad for fish - especially bottom dwellers.

Butterfly

Pool filter sand is also smoother . I did post you some pics
Let us know how your sand tank does, remember to stir or get Malaysian Trumpet snails.
carol