Sand as substrate

[Aaron71w]

I'm about to put sand in my tank. I got it from the pet store and it's normal sea sand (I think). Is there anything I will have to do before I put it in the tank? If there is, can someone please tell me soon, before I put it in? Thanks.

 

[Blaze]

If it is sea sand, it may have crushed coral (I think thats right) in it which will mess with your pH levels. The best sand to use is childrens play sand. You will have to rinse out any dirt and cloudiness from it. The best way to do so I have found is to put how much sand you will need (maximum 2-3cm over the bottom of you tank to prevent gas pockets) in a bucket and use the hose to blast the sand. Then wait for it to settle and pour gentally out. Do this until the water pours out clear. I washed mine about 20 times before it ran clear.

Hope this helps,

Blaze

 

[Aaron71w]

it turns out its not sea sand but this is the only sand i can get a hold of at the moment,should it be good enough

 

[tonimeloni]

Not too sure about the sand. But my axolotl tank has silica sand in it, and my axies seem to be fine.

 

[Blaze]

Was there a label on the sand when you bought it? Where abouts did you get it from?

Blaze

 

[Aaron71w]

when i bought it, it had no label on it and it came from the pet store it was the finest sand they had

 

[Blaze]

I am not to sure, you'll have to wait for someone else to chime in =]

Goodluck!


Blaze

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Everything you never wanted to know about substrates can be found here:

Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Substrates (for aquatics)

Caudata Culture Articles - Vivarium Substrates (for terrestrials)