cerebus Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 I'm just in the process of starting up a new tank for some cichlids that I anticipate buying at the upcoming ACE Auction. I've decided to go with sand substrate, and picked up some kids' play sand at Toys R Us. The bag says the sand has been prewashed and dried, so I'm wondering what (if anything) I need to do before putting it in the tank? Should I rinse it again? And, if so, any tips on how to go about this without having tons of sand going throught the strainer and down my drain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 I would still rinse it to make sure its clean. You wouldnt' wan to add it to your tank and have it be really cloudy. When cleaning sand its easiest if you put it in a 5g pail, add water to cover and swish your sand around in it. Then pour off the water by tipping the bucket untill you reach the sand. Then repeat the process untill the water runs clean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freshmike Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 You could also rinse it through an old pillowcase. :thumbs: Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishManTy Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Wow, thats a great idea! I wish I did that before adding 55lbs to my 90gallon. Swishing it only works so much before it feels pointless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malawi_luver Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 You could also rinse it through an old pillowcase. :thumbs: Good luck! Wow great idea... this would have been 1000x easier if i would have done that for my 75 gallon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canuckle Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Just FYI, I went with Pool Filter Sand for my 180g (150 lbs of it) and it rinsed up really well. It settled within 2 hours, and does not get easily stirred up. Tank is crystal, and looks great. Got the sand at Western Pump on 42nd, 50lb bag for about 14 bucks. Good luck with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
African_Fever Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Does anyone know of anywhere to get black sand for cheap? I don't imagine pool filter sand comes in black? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloeclose Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Heyyyyy that IS a good idea! And so timely considering I'm going to be rinsing 3 bags of Tahitian Moon tomorrow! :thumbs: Kyle I got mine at the Boxing Day sale for super cheap... sorry I can't help ya there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 (edited) Yep, pool filter sand is the only way to go. Cleans fast & easy, and doesn't create dust storms like most of the play sands out there. Kyle - WTH does a purist like yourself want with black sand? :w00t: Edited February 2, 2005 by RD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malawi_luver Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 (edited) The cheapest ive seen it is for 20$ bag... i think that the Black 3m quartz sand would be cheaper but its only cirrculated to the eastern provinces Edited February 2, 2005 by malawi_luver Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cerebus Posted February 2, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Thanks, that pillow case idea worked great! I have about half of the sand that I need cleaned now, and the small amount of water that I've put in the tank with it is clear. Great idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
African_Fever Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Another great sand that I use in most of my tanks now is frac sand, used by the oil and gas industry for fracturing wells. It's a silica sand, and comes in a number of different sizes. If you know someone in the industry they should know where you can get ahold of it. It is almost always VERY clean already as their use of it demands that there be no other particles in it, and size is very consistent too (I've usually just dumped it in the tank and with an hour the filter has cleared the water). Best of all, it's always been free in my experience! (they do look at your strange when you walk up and ask for two 5-gallon pails of it from their semiload/hopper though). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 what color is pool filter sand? I always pictured it really light/white or is it regualr brown sand color? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 Target brand is medium dark brown, but lightens up under the tank lights. An actual photo from Lake Tanganyika taken by Amateur Cichlids. http://www.amateurcichlids.com/ A photo of my substrate ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 BTW - PFS comes in various grades (sizes) and various colors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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