Question: Cichlid or Beach sand?

dudzie · Jan 17, 2013

I used to have cichlid sand, but had to remove it, cause of glass splinters.

i recently read that chichlid sand is no good for axolotls, but it's the only aquatic sand the petshop has.
currently, the tank has no substrate, but they axies seemed to move more with the sand.

So! I can either get cichlid sand, or get sand from a beach.. [boil + rinse before using it]

which one would be better?

Traxolotl · Jan 17, 2013

Go to like the local garden store, usually they have sand that will work. I have used beach sand before but i sifted it and washed it like craaaazzy and my axolotl was fine. I wouldn't do it again but if i were you i would look around or order some.

CJ1981 · Jan 18, 2013

dudzie said:
I used to have cichlid sand, but had to remove it, cause of glass splinters.

i recently read that chichlid sand is no good for axolotls, but it's the only aquatic sand the petshop has.
currently, the tank has no substrate, but they axies seemed to move more with the sand.

So! I can either get cichlid sand, or get sand from a beach.. [boil + rinse before using it]

which one would be better?

Go to a DIY shop or garden centre and get 'play sand', it's the sand they sell to put in childrens' sand pits. Give it a good sieving and a very very through rinsing and it is ok for your Axolotls. It is usually a fraction of the price of aquarium sand too

Don't use beach sand it is full of all kinds of nasty stuff and however well you boil and wash it the salt content etc will make your Axolotls unhappy

dudzie · Jan 21, 2013

Ii have been to two stores that have sand, but it's not playsand..
as they said; "No one here thinks its a big deal if it's play-sand or just regular sand.."
So! i can go and find other stores that possibly have sand, but i have a feeling they will say the same..

what should i do now?

Kaysie · Jan 21, 2013

I've used pool filter sand for years with no ill effect.

You can always just keep a bare bottom.

dudzie · Jan 21, 2013

Kaysie said:
I've used pool filter sand for years with no ill effect.

You can always just keep a bare bottom.

aaaaand im somewhat sure i won't find pool filter sand..

the bare bottom is easy keeping clean, but as it's now, i keep plants in a jars in the tank..
there would be so much more space for the axies to swim if they were in the sand..

FX1C · Jan 21, 2013

dudzie said:
Ii have been to two stores that have sand, but it's not playsand..
as they said; "No one here thinks its a big deal if it's play-sand or just regular sand.."
So! i can go and find other stores that possibly have sand, but i have a feeling they will say the same..

what should i do now?

Playsand tends to refer to sand sourced from freshwater rivers not from a beach. Beach sand contains many crushed shells sea life, where river sand is from sandstone erosion. Hope that helps.

as mentioned above -
if in doubt.... leave it out

bare bottom tanks are a good option.

<3 >o_o< <3

tigmades · Jan 24, 2013

Do you have any pool or hot tub etc stores where you live? Then they're likely have it. In my city you can get 50lbs - which is enough to last for a looooooooong time - for $11. Plus it's very nice color, and mine at least requires VERY LITTLE rinsing.

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Question: Cichlid or Beach sand?

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