Sand In Calgary

[Blue Ram]

It has been years since I used sand as a substrate. I'm wanting something that is very light in colour. Anybody offer any suggestions?

[Ron]

I like pool filter sand. It's a larger sieve size than most aquatic sand so it doesn't disturb as easily. It's supposed to be cleaner than playsand but I've never used playsand so I can confirm that. It is a silica sand so you need to be more careful when dealing with the dust.

[Wingin' It]

Nancy got some awesome choices from a place called Target in the industrial area just off Barlow and 72 St SE (I Think)

[Tetracanthus]

Ron, I've never used pool sand...but rinsed playsand (meaning previously rinsed, not rinse it yourself) isn't too shabby.

It works very well in a rift lake tank. I have used it for plants but it needs to be mixed with something larger like laterite. It has been my experience that sand by itself is a poor choice for plants, it is mostly inert and has a tendency to compact.

[Nyasa]

Blasting sand is great too. Very clean. Light colored and comes in a variety of uniform sizes. I would recommend sil 8. You can buy it at Consolidated Compressor in Calgary.

http://www.consolidatedcompressor.com/abrasives

I think it's a little cheaper than pool filter sand as well. I've used both.

Edited November 23, 2013 by Nyasa

[xblade]

I bought pre rinsed play sand, and it still needs a good rinse before you put in tank. Works great though

[Toirtis]

Nancy got some awesome choices from a place called Target in the industrial area just off Barlow and 72 St SE (I Think)

Target is good....I like Consolidated Compressor in the same area of town....great sandblasting sand, very clean, about $5/90lb.

[mrsella]

I bought pool filter sand, it doesn't need washing, no cloudiness at all