Black Blasting Sand Help Please

I have searched high and low and researched tons about black blasting sand for substrate. Nobody can for sure show me a 20 40 medium grit. Tractor supply is trying to tell me that 30 60 fine, is equal according to their system. Way off from what I understand. Is 12 40 grit okay? From a article on this site I can see that 12 40 is a course grit. Would it be abrasive or sharp for snails or my pleco?

 

I'm not sure what grit measurements look or feel like, but I think a good rule of thumb is if it feels smooth or soft it should be fine for plecos, catfish, and snails. But if it feels sharp or rough then probably not a good idea.

 

Here is the visual from this site

 

From the looks of those, I think all should do fine, your best bet in my opinion would be 20-40. 30-60 will work too but might take a little while to fully settle

 

I use the 20/40 grit, fine enough for the critters but heavy enough not got get stirred up either.

 

The 20/40 grit is also known labeled as medium grit and the bag has almost all the printing done with black lettering. The fine BDBS has red lettering on the bag either one will work in the tank, with the finer grit you just have to be more careful with vacuuming the substrate to avoid picking up excessive sand.

 

Thanks everyone. The finer grit will not get disturbed by big fish all the time causing it to be sucked up by filter?

 

Thanks everyone. The finer grit will not get disturbed by big fish all the time causing it to be sucked up by filter?

I would think it would, it's very fine. The next size up falls right back to the bottom if disturbed and it won't compact as easily as the finer stuff would.

 

I don't think it will, really depends on the pleco though, mines never really bugs the sand but ive heard some plecos really like digging through it.