Whats better and easier? play sand/ pool filter sand?

Question

where do you get pool filter sand if you have it and do you have to rinse it to get rid of the dirt before putting it in a tank? and if anyone has used sand in their tank what are the steps/ requirements to do with it?

Answer 1

I got my pool filter sand from home depot for 4.88 for a 50lb bag. I didn't rinse mine, I put it in and filled the tank and let it settle then I turned on the filter to clear the tank. It only took a few days to clear and it looks great and my Betta's love it. Pool filter sand is heavier and when disturbed falls quickly. When you do a water change, however, you will need to stir the sand to get rid of any air pockets.  

Answer 2

you get pool filter sand from pool supply store. you can get play sand and home improvement stores like lowes or home depot for really cheap. like $2 for 60 lbs or something like that.

it is best to do rinsing before putting into your tank.

it is not really recommended to use sand unless you have live plants or fish such as cory cats to root through it because it can compact and build up deadly gases from anaerobic bacteria. you can stir it yourself occasionally to keep gases from forming.

i think play sand has smaller granules than filter so if you disturb it too much it can cloud your tank easier but its not too bad if you're careful

hmm this link says you can buy the filter sand at home depot and shows you how to clean it

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/cl...

Answer 3

my friend used ordinary sand (play sand..i guess) but first he seasoned it for few weeks (its important to mention here that the precipitation rate in my place is high, this might give a different result). then the sand was soaked for few days and rinsed many time before he put it inside his new aquarium. he let the sand settled for 1 day before he introduce fish inside the tank. its wise to check the water condition before putting any fish into the tank because sand can alter the water quality (pH, hardness, salinity etc.)...  

Answer 4

You have to go to your fish store and ask them all the questions you have and hopefully they will know the answers. Hope this helped.

Answer 5

play sand can contain unwanted clay