pool filter sand-different sizes

There are several sizes to pool filter sand. Can sand be to fine in size?
I want to add sand just to a small area to anchor some live plants. I would put sand in a reptile dish,add plants,then place it on the bottom of the tank.
Tank is 48"L x 14"D x 21"H.
nora

Hi,

by using normal aquarium sand or play sand there shouldn´t be any problems.

-Tina-

nora said:

There are several sizes to pool filter sand. Can sand be to fine in size?
I want to add sand just to a small area to anchor some live plants. I would put sand in a reptile dish,add plants,then place it on the bottom of the tank.
Tank is 48"L x 14"D x 21"H.
nora

Click to expand...

The sand can not be too fine for axies (I assume thats what its for). But it can be to corse and poor little axolotl will get indigestion.


But I think very very fine sand may not hold the plants as secure as you need.


If you have an axolotl (I am assuming) he will probally try and pull them up while its swimming so they will need to be in tight.
:artist:

I judge sand by this rule: If I would walk on it in bare feet comfortably, it is ok.

As for anchoring plants, you axies will dig them up no matter what substrate you use for them. An easy way to remedy this is to use fishing line to secure the plant to a nice rounded river stone. Even if the axie manages to uncover the stone, it has no sharp edges!

Thanks everyone.Play sand it will be. My axolotls are new and I don't want to endanger them by my ignorance.
nora

Hi Nora,

Pool filter sand makes for a great look in a tank, it does pack quite tightly and needs a good stir periodically to release any built up gases. It is more expensive than playsand but does not require as much washing before adding it to your tank. It also comes in different colours aswell as grades.

Hi Nora,

Also just a note that its preferable to ensure that the sand particles have diameters of 2mm or less. Some coarser,unequal sized sand grains approaching small gravel in size, can still pose an impaction risk.

Ian gave a fantastic tip about giving the sand substrate occasional 'stirrings'. You can also help minimise gas accumulation by filling up till only an inch deep of sand.

Because pool filter sand pack so tightly, some types of aquatic plants cannot 'root' properly, and thus some plants will actually die. The plants will still some level of substrate 'aeration' for their roots to grow healthily and acquire nutrients. I would recommend you get plants that are already affixed to rocks or driftwood etc.

Some beginner hardy plants species you can try are Anubias, Java fern, Java moss, some amazon swords and Elodea. Among these, anubias, java moss and amazon swords are quite readily available already mounted on driftwood or rocks.

Cheers.