Red1313

I'm looking around for the best substrate to use in my new 66 gal coldwater tank.
The main focus of it is going to be goldfish though there would possibly be a pair or trio of weather loaches added to it at a later date. I'm not interested in putting plants in the tank for now but if I do change my mind I don't have a problem with potting them later.
Keeping that in mind how would silica sand work?

IIIHawKIII

i got some pool filter sand for 12 bucks for 50 pounds.

my coldwater has 2.99 for 50 pounds pea/river gravel. you just have to wash it like a million times.

i like the drab earthy tones against the yellows and oranges of the fish.

Red1313

I'm sort of torn because I love the natural look to a tank. However the loaches like to burrow so sand seems a good option. But I think that it might be really light colored and these guys are going to be white organda's... However black substrate isn't going to me nearly as nice price wise...

CHoffman

Pool filter sand (silca sand) is going to be best price wise and the loaches would love it. It's very soft and round so it won't harm them. I personally like the look of whitish sand, but I have LOTS of large dark rocks in there to offset it.

Dozey

Your possible loaches would certainly be happier with a sand substrate over a gravel substrate. Silica sand is a popular choice for sand and is generally very white in colour. Construction sand would be another popular choice and its colour is earth tones.

As you mentioned that you like the “natural look” construction sand might fit that look a little better for you.

Red1313

Where would I find construction sand and would I need to rinse it?

Dozey

Construction sand can be found at any lumber yard and/or any large hardware store (Home Depot, Rona, etc). Since construction sand is often used for concrete it tends to be very clean and free of foreign objects although it is still well advised to rinse all substrates prior to introducing it to an aquarium.

Red1313

Hmm... I'll have to look into that thanks Dozey.