Pool Filter Sand - But what color sand is most natural?

LMOUTHBASS

LMOUTHBASS

My hypocrisy goes only so far
Jun 17, 2003
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Ok, so I think I've decided on changing my gravel substrate to pool filter sand. It sounds perfect for bottom dwellers and fairly cheap and clean. I'll still wash it thoroughly anyhow.

My only other questions: A guy at my LFS said it is silica based and will promote tons of algae growth. Is this true?

And, he recommended a black type of sand. That being said, I would like to plant the tank down the road with live plants. Probably mostly low light types, will pool filter sand hold up ok for plants? Or would a darker black sand be better? Anyone know what types of sand are black?

Lastly, what colors would the substrate of a typical South American body of water be? Would it be mucky and black in color, or lighter colored? I want to make it look as natural as possible.

Thanks
 
Filter sand for a pool is very fine and whitish in color, I'm not sure it would promote algae growth but scilia is toxic if fish consume it so it could possibly kill. That said I wouldn't see a problem with it holding up to plants as long as there's not a current in your tank to uproot it. I would also think the water is a brownish yellow color, I wanna say there are some drops that will change it to a yellowish color but the name escapes me


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My favorite is this, but I can't remember what type it is. Possibly Quickcrete, made for mixing with cement? Anyway, it's larger and coarser grained than play sand, and I don't have to net the filter intake when I vacuum. Might be too coarse for barbelled fish though.

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Silica-based pool filter sand is completely inert and will not leach silicate into the water. It's completely safe for aquarium use.
And will definitely NOT promote algae growth in any way.

It generally comes in 3 or 4 different color shades, from white, to off-white, beige/ecru/sand color, and perhaps even greyish. To my knowledge, there is no black sand used for, or sold as, pool filter sand.
There are a number of black sands on the market, but they're not PFS.\

PFS is perfect for bottom dwellers, grows plants well with the use of root tabs, and is easy to clean and keep clean. It's dense too, usually quite clean and free of dust, grit and grime, and needs very little, if any, rinsing (unlike play sand). It will not get picked by vacuuming (with a siphon hose though, yes it will), nor will it free-float in the water to possibly clog up filtration impeller assemblies.
Don't know for sure what color of substrate is in the beds of the Amazon tributaries of S.A., for example, but I'm almost certain it's not absolute black.
For you to have a look, here's my low-tech planted discus tank, using white silica PFS, which had been in the tank for about 1.5 years when the pics were taken.
http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/h357/discuspaul/Sept2011
 
To correct the above posts, scilica sand is carcinogenc if it is BREATHED (by mammals or other critters with lungs). It's not harmful at all once saturated with water in an aquarium. I use it in my betta tank with no issues. It's easy to plant in and looks great. I don't find that it promotes algae any more than any other substrate. I got my sand at home depot in a 60lb bag. It's a natural white sand with a few black and brown flecks in it, kind of like natural sea salt.
 
I use pool filter sand in all my tanks, it seems to do fine with low light easy to grow plants. It's definitely not toxic as my eartheaters have been eating it for months now, without a problem. My loaches seem to really like the sand too, plus you cannot beat the price.
 
I would agree with everyone here thats said it doesnt promote Algae as ive seen some tanks with it and not any algae. Very easy on bottom dwelling fish.

Hey Paul How deep is your PFS in your tanks? Or any one that wants to chime in? Im getting ready to do my tank in PFS in the brighter color. Just wasnt sure how much to get for my 90gallon tank for a good substrate for plants to root.
 
constevens said:
I would agree with everyone here thats said it doesnt promote Algae as ive seen some tanks with it and not any algae. Very easy on bottom dwelling fish.

Hey Paul How deep is your PFS in your tanks? Or any one that wants to chime in? Im getting ready to do my tank in PFS in the brighter color. Just wasnt sure how much to get for my 90gallon tank for a good substrate for plants to root.
Click to expand...

It's about one inch or less at the front in the open area, and no more than 2" or so at the rear where the plantings are. You want to keep it less than 3" at it's deepest point, in order to significantly reduce the risk of toxic anaerobic gas pockets developing.
Your 90 gal may be doable to that depth with a 50 lb. bag, but certainly much less than 100 lbs. It usually comes in 50 lb. bags, but it's always good to have some spare, so you can siphon top layers out of your tank every 6 months or so, as it gets dirtied up, and replace it with a new layer to completely freshen it up.
 
The primary problem with PFS, as well as just about all silica sands, is that it inert (doesn't buffer - mainly a concern in saltwater, less in fresh) and doesn't absorb nutrients. This can be a major issue in salty tanks and planted tanks that rely heavily on root feedings. Both are easily solved problems though.


There is so silica released into the water when it is first added. This MAY cause a larger diatom bloom then normal. But a simple rinsing seems to take care of it. This is what people mean when they say it'll promote algae growth.

I've used the stuff in all my tanks, including my saltwater tank, and never had a issue with diatoms.
 
Sounds like PFS is the way to go then. I want something nice looking, somewhat natural and safer for my barbel bearing fish than the gravel I have now. Since we're on the topic, has anyone else used any other types of fine sand that is ok for plants and most importantly safe for barbel fish?

Discuspaul - Terrific looking tank! Thanks for sharing!
 
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