Question: What is the best kind of white small grain substrate?

Z3R013 · January 20th, 2009

I see people using white aquarium small rock, Aragonite Sand, Crushed Coral, and white play sand. I've read about the pros and cons with the white substrate (i.e. shows dark waste, cleaning issues) but it seems like every kind of substrate has its benefits and issues. Is one white substrate better than all the others?

Thanks for the info.

CHoffman · January 20th, 2009

I bought pool filter sand. It's very cheap compared to substrates used strictly for aquarium use. I paid 13.00 for a 50lb bag. The kind I bought is higher end pool filter sand, you can get it much cheaper at Lowes or Home Depot. It's made of Silica so it's very smooth and is good for fish that dig or bottom dwellers. I didn't have to rinse it at all. Just put it in. I can't help with the cleaning of it though. I haven't stocked my tank yet.

≈ D ≈ · January 21st, 2009

Yes, lighter colored substrate tends to show poop more easily unfortunately.

To clean it, you can just siphon it off the top. I find using a hose (airline or slightly bigger) hovering about ½" above the sand works great but it does take a bit of practise.

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