Blasting diamond coal sand??

Hey guys, I’m getting a 40gallon tank and I really want black sand but the pet store ones are like 40-60 dollars. Does anyone have good experience with blasting diamond coal sand substrate? I’m thinking of putting a fantailed goldfish and variatus platies in there. Will that substrate be good for them? Thx

 

I have read good things about that stuff sold at TSC. I probably would have used some myself, but I did not want 40lbs of blasting sand sitting around after scaping a small tank. I read it needs rinsed VERY well.

 

Yup I use the medium grit and have used it for years.

The plants are all live.

 

Yup I use the medium grit and have used it for years.

The plants are all live.

Thank you!

I have read good things about that stuff sold at TSC. I probably would have used some myself, but I did not want 40lbs of blasting sand sitting around after scaping a small tank. I read it needs rinsed VERY well.

Yeah I get it. I would get a fish made sand for a smaller tank (which I have) but it’s just so expensive for bigger ones. Thanks!

 

Thank you!

You are most welcome.

 

It was a game changer when I started using that sand. It's so cheap (like $9 for a 50 lb bag!). Like said above, make sure that you use a medium grit because if it's too fine and you have plants, the mulm will just sit on top of the sound and look bad. It does make it harder to gravel vac too because you really have to be careful to not remove the sand when removing the mulm that's resting on top of it.

 

I've also used it with good results. All ten of my tanks have either the Black Diamond sandblasting sand, which I agree needs considerable rinsing, or pool filter sand, which is a much lighter color, also relatively inexpensive, and needs little to no rinsing.

 

I use quartz blasting sand. It's like $6 for a 50lb bag.

 

It was a game changer when I started using that sand. It's so cheap (like $9 for a 50 lb bag!). Like said above, make sure that you use a medium grit because if it's too fine and you have plants, the mulm will just sit on top of the sound and look bad. It does make it harder to gravel vac too because you really have to be careful to not remove the sand when removing the mulm that's resting on top of it.

Ok yeah I understand the pain of sand I just rake the sand to prevent possible toxic gas bubbles. Is medium grit fine if goldfish consume it? Thanks

I've also used it with good results. All ten of my tanks have either the Black Diamond sandblasting sand, which I agree needs considerable rinsing, or pool filter sand, which is a much lighter color, also relatively inexpensive, and needs little to no rinsing.

Yeah my other tank is a light sand so I wanted a darker one. Yeah it will take a ton of rinsing. Thanks!

Yup I use the medium grit and have used it for years.

The plants are all live.

Do you or anyone else know how to clean a filter I bought from someone to disinfect it? I don’t want to post another thread so I’m just asking you

 

I use a very heavy salt solution with aggressive scrubbing.

 

I've also used it with good results. All ten of my tanks have either the Black Diamond sandblasting sand, which I agree needs considerable rinsing, or pool filter sand, which is a much lighter color, also relatively inexpensive, and needs little to no rinsing.

Ok. I ordered it for pick up. Picking it up tomorrow, setting up tank fully on Tuesday or Wednesday. I’ll show you how it looks then.

 

Ok. I ordered it for pick up. Picking it up tomorrow, setting up tank fully on Tuesday or Wednesday. I’ll show you how it looks then.

Hey guys! Just put the sand in and started the filters and heaters. Plants and other things I need coming Tuesday so hopefully will have my fish by Wednesday. Here it is right now, I need a light for the tank so I have to use a lamp right now which is pretty efficient. Adding another piece of wood too so it’s not too boring

 

Hey guys! Just put the sand in and started the filters and heaters. Plants and other things I need coming Tuesday so hopefully will have my fish by Wednesday. Here it is right now, I need a light for the tank so I have to use a lamp right now which is pretty efficient. Adding another piece of wood too so it’s not too boringView attachment 825964

Here is the final look! Just need a lid, light and fish!!

Yup I use the medium grit and have used it for years.

The plants are all live.

Here is mine now with the sand

 

You are off to a good start.

 

You are off to a good start.

Thanks☺️

 

Looking great! I got black diamond for my 6 gal and recently put it in my cycling 10 gallon, it just looks so amazing I think. As far as cleaning, I've not had any issues with using a gravel vac, obviously don't let it suck up through, but it'll give it a good spin and get all the poo and food out. I don't think you'd need to stir it up after that, but I did anyway to release any gasses.

 

Looking great! I got black diamond for my 6 gal and recently put it in my cycling 10 gallon, it just looks so amazing I think. As far as cleaning, I've not had any issues with using a gravel vac, obviously don't let it suck up through, but it'll give it a good spin and get all the poo and food out. I don't think you'd need to stir it up after that, but I did anyway to release any gasses.

Yeah it’s like shiny I like it. And I just couldn’t afford that much sand from petco. Yeah I always like rake it with my fingers to get the gases and excess food and poo out.

 

Yeah it’s like shiny I like it. And I just couldn’t afford that much sand from petco. Yeah I always like rake it with my fingers to get the gases and excess food and poo out.

If you look close at it you'll see some browns and greens too! Quite the interesting sand I'd say