Sand for 30-40 gal?

So, my local Lowes sells both play sand and all purpose sand. No pool filter sand, sadly. I've heard that both play and AP work? Which is better?

 

Play sand is very prone to compacting in my experience and that causes anaerobic conditions. If u have mts then u may be fine but I'd steer clear if theres nothing agitating the sand regularly

 

do you have any plants for the tank? just wondering.

 

do you have any plants for the tank? just wondering.

Yes, an anubia, various Anacharis, bacopa, red myriophyllum, ammania sengalis, and water spangles. I also have driftwood.

Play sand is very prone to compacting in my experience and that causes anaerobic conditions. If u have mts then u may be fine but I'd steer clear if theres nothing agitating the sand regularly

Ok, thank you! I have loaches who are bottom feeders, would they stir up the sand enough? Also I'll be vaccumming the sand so that should disrupt it?

 

yeah, just lift the exiting side of the siphon to releive some presure to not suck any sand. you probably already know this but... I know nothing of loaches though. (edit) nvm that wasn't your question

 

Kuhlii loaches burrow in sand so itll probably be good. Also try stirring it up with a skewer to release gass pockets periodically

 

Kuhlii loaches burrow in sand so itll probably be good. Also try stirring it up with a skewer to release gass pockets periodically

Alright great thanks!

 

Another great option I've found is to use sandblasting sand which is comparable in price and a nice black color. Just make sure you wash it good as it makes a oily slick at the water surface if you dont

 

Another great option I've found is to use sandblasting sand which is comparable in price and a nice black color. Just make sure you wash it good as it makes a oily slick at the water surface if you dont

I've heard that sandblasting sand can be sharp and hurt bottom dwellers tummies... don't wanna risk it.

 

I've used it on Cory's and kuhli loaches for several years with no problems but maybe there are different brands that cause the issues others have had