Using Bunnings Sand in Australia

[axowattyl]

I was hoping a fellow Aussie will help me here.

I'm looking at using sand in my 2 large tanks, I'm well aware not to use gravel (despite what the LFS told me today).

In my four footer I have used well rinsed beach sand which has been really good, but I don't want to cart the kinds of amounts needed for these tanks.

I've read of people using 20kg bags of play sand, brickies sand and propogating sand from Bunnings, as well as pool filter sand from Clarke Rubber.

A lot of them swore by it, but it was a little unclear which ones were best.

Most washed it, but one guy mentioned using the propogating sand unwashed, with a layer of washed sand on top to keep the silt in, and said his plants did very well in it.

If I had only one complaint about the beach sand, it would be that it's so fine the vacuum sucks a bit up during cleaning.

As well as the safety factor for the axies, I love sand because it keeps all the poop accessible for cleaning.

I really would like a slightly coarser sand than beach sand, any suggestions?

 

[StickyTounge]

I use sand from bunnings in my indoor tanks, it works, just wash it well first as its a bit grubby straight out of the bag, The plants grow well in it…. but yeah the siphon eats a lot of it up so be careful…
I can't remember the brand of sand, i think i have a spare in the carport, ill grab a photo.

 

[StickyTounge]

heres the brand of the sand.

 

[axowattyl]

Thanks very much for that!

That's the way I'm going to go, there's no way I'm spending the kind of money it costs at the LFS.

 

[layna]

Childrens play sand or pool filter sand are the recommended ones

 

[gorgeousjorge]

I have also always used play sand from Bunnings, the Richgro brand. Not sure how it compares to the other brands, but I've never had any problems and it settles fairly quickly (I wash it well before I put it in the tanks). My tanks have always been planted and the plants seem to grow well in it. Siphon does pick it up but not much of it makes it into the bucket! It's very white.

 

[axowattyl]

I have also always used play sand from Bunnings, the Richgro brand. Not sure how it compares to the other brands, but I've never had any problems and it settles fairly quickly (I wash it well before I put it in the tanks). My tanks have always been planted and the plants seem to grow well in it. Siphon does pick it up but not much of it makes it into the bucket! It's very white.

Yes, that's the one I've seen there.

Thank you all for your help.

Obviously this will be a huge saving compared to using the LFS's product when I'm doing two 6x2x2's!

Cheers,

 

[Mass Murdering Waddle]

oh man I know this post is old but this just saved me heaps