Tony G.

Just wondering if you guys get it like at home depot or something

lorabell

hey there!!!! Ive been doing a lot of SAND searching myself...fineally decided on pool filter sand..mainly because of price(its for a 72 gal)..but caribe sea (I believe) is available online or at LFS ..they have all kinds of beautiful colors available, I did use their white sand in my 55 its awesome!!!! It comes with all the benificial bacteria and helped cycle this tank very fast..in fact if u read their product info..I believe u can put fish in almost immidiatly..however IMO it is kinda expensive it was about 20$ a bag(20lb bags) I used 4 or 5 I cant remember http://caribsea.com/pages/products/i...arium.html..ok maybe this will help..Ive been to all the pool stores,home depo,and lowes in my area..just figured I'd let u know I never swa any great colors available

Tony G.

ok thanks lorabell! i will check the page now

lorabell

amy time!!! i hope it helps

Tony G.

i really liked them! they look pricy though
i dont think i will end up getting the black sand haha i will go for a more natural look

lorabell

Then go to a pool supplier...I got a 50lb bag for $8..I know the money is different but the color is very natural and the price was WAY better than what i spent on my 55..I have also read about people using quick-crete from the building supply places check that too..but ask opinions on that one

Tony G.

i will go to a pool supply storeand check if they have sand. if i can find a pool supply store....
thanks lorabell

harpua2002

Agree w/ lorabell for the recommendation on pool filter sand! It varies in grain size and looks beautiful in an aquarium. I've been using it for years.

I have also used black sand. I didn't use CaribSea brand, I used Estes brand. It's gorgeous when you get it rinsed and figured out, but the rinsing is awful!!!! I have never used a substrate that is more difficult. If you aren't totally sold on the black color, I would recommend pfs for sure. Take a look at my planted 120 gallon thread in member's fish tanks forum if you have doubts!

sirdarksol

I got the Tahitian Moon (something like that) black sand from the local pet stores.
It is important to note that this stuff is not safe for bottom-dwellers, particularly ones that like digging themselves in. There's even a warning on the back that it's not to be used with kuhli loaches. It has sharp grains and is very abrasive to such fish. Harpua's right. Rinsing is the biggest pain with black sand. After an hour of rinsing, my water still turned grey with dust.

I like EcoComplete, which isn't really sand, it's more of a soft detritus. No rinsing, perfectly clear water from the get-go. All the nutrients that plants need. Great for bottom-dwellers of all kinds.
It's a bit spendy, and it's not quite black (more of a dark grey), but it's still my favorite substrate.