VERY thin sand

[yesjenks]

I'm setting up a FW tank. I decided to go with a sand bed. I purchased from home depot sand box sand meant for playground use. I rinsed it, let it sit for a few days, rinsed it. . . 4 more times.

A few days ago I dropped it in my tank. Today I started moving it around to create an even amount of sand across the tank and by moving just a small amount of sand all my water turned very murky. I'm thinking that my sand is to thin.

Any ideas? Should I buy thicker sand to place on top of it? Should I take it all out and start over?

 

[KathyC]

A FW tank? Just want to be sure
Sand is not really a good idea, but if you are set on a sand substrate, I would remove that and use a heavier grain. It will still be a pita to vacuum.

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

Jenks i have fish for you that need a home lmk when you have the tank up and running.

3 plecos
1 parrot
1 betta
1 cathfish
3 goldfish

 

[yesjenks]

A FW tank? Just want to be sure
Sand is not really a good idea, but if you are set on a sand substrate, I would remove that and use a heavier grain. It will still be a pita to vacuum.

Yes, fresh water.

I'm using sand because I eventually (If I find) want to add a FW stingray.

That's what I thought. :tired: Thank you for thoughts!

 

[yesjenks]

Jenks i have fish for you that need a home lmk when you have the tank up and running.

3 plecos
1 parrot
1 betta
1 cathfish
3 goldfish

Thanks Angelo! Will do.

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

Thanks Angelo! Will do.

Your welcome Jenks just lmk which one you will want. So far i have 1 betta and 1 small pleco that will be going to a friend of mine. But the rest are still avialable.

 

[skene]

The sand you should have used is pool filter sand. Thicker grain and will not cloud up when stirred up.

 

[yesjenks]

The sand you should have used is pool filter sand. Thicker grain and will not cloud up when stirred up.

Do you know where I can get some? Home Depot?

 

[LatinP]

Do you know where I can get some? Home Depot?

Pool filter sand you can get at any pool supplies shop or pool installation dealer. Home Depot years ago did carry good sand but I wouldn't recommend any sand they carry at the moment.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

You want fine sand for stingrays so I would stay away from coarser grains. The rays are going to be in contact with it most of the time and their bellies can get irritated if it's too coarse. It doesn't have to be super fine though.

 

[bizzarro]

Pool filter sand can be purchased at Leslie's Pool in the small plaza before or after Absolutely Fish. I think it's after you pass it.

The grains should be smooth and heavy enough to not float if stirred.

 

[Imbarrie]

Why wouldnt a marine substrate be a good idea?

Silica sand is jagged and sharp but marine sands are round shaped.

JMO