Anybody here have any fish???
 

Ok I have a question if anyone can answer it that'd be great. I dont really have time to keep up a salt water aquarium but I like sand better than the traditional colored rock. Does anyone know if I could use the sand (normally for salt water tanks) in my freshwater tank??? Are there any chemicals in the sand that are beneficial to salt water but harmful to fresh water??? I've tried pet forums but my posts hardly ever get answered.
Sorry to post such an odd subject, but even the petsmart guys didnt know anything.
Thanks

hey....
 

I'm not sure about your particular sand but as long as it doesn't have any buffering agents it should be ok. You might want to post here (www.aquariacentral.com) and see what they say. That is a pretty active board and I'm sure your questions will be answered in one day or less. Good luck.

Sand
 

ThirdStang:

The conventional wisdom says that sea sand is a bad idea in an aquarium as it packs, cakes and causes problems you don't need or want.

No expert, but I wouldn't use the salt water sand in the a fresh water tank. Just prudent to assume that it could have some toxins that would harm your fish.

I've heard that coarse river sand works, but you have to strain it about 20 times. May not be worth it.

Hope this helps a bit. Check out the web via Goggle or other search engines for aquaruim info. Good luck!

What kind of filter will you be using?

I always use gravel in my tanks.

Thanks for your suggestions. The forum gave me alot of information.
I currently have a Whisper filter its small but its what came with the tank.

I have salt and fresh water aquariums, I do use the dark colored gravel in my fresh water tank but if you have any problems keeping your pH up in your tank then Aragonite gravel (crushed coral) would be ok to help keep the pH up. The sand won't be good if you use an under gravel filter because it will all go through the slits in the grate under the gravel. Check in your area though and see if there is a real aquarium store or pet store. Petsmart is not very knowledgeable about things. Good luck.

gravel is the way to go!
 

Hey girl!!!!
I agree w/ Lysacat.....look for a reputable fish dealer....they will be able to tell you more. I have 2 tanks, and I have always used gravel. I think its easier to take care of....To me it seems like Sand would be a mess. I love my fishtanks! They are cool. I have one here in my pc/trophy room...Its very relaxing....:)
Good luck!!! TNT

...
 

Agreed.... if you need to have a high pH then crushed corral is teh way to go. Most community tanks and freshwater fish prefer a neutral pH though. If you are trying to grow live plants I would suggest against sand.

If you want cheap sand you can use Home Depot "Play Sand." Just make sure you wash it thoroughly. Whisper Filters are ok but if you want to stay with a power filter I much recommend an Aqua Clear.

I have pictures and some info about my aquarium on my webpage in my sig.