How much pool filter sand for 55g aquarium? [Archive]

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prr

10-13-2009, 12:31 AM

I'm going to go get some pool filter sand, but am not sure how much to get. They come in 100-lb bags so if I'm going to need more than that, I'd rather not have to make a second trip. I'd like to cover my aquarium (standard rectangular shaped) with 1-2 inches of this sand. Anyone have any idea how much I'd need? Would I need a second bag of this stuff or would one suffice?

Northernguy

10-13-2009, 12:32 AM

1 50lb bag should do with a bit left over.

Cristoff

10-13-2009, 12:35 AM

About a pound per gallon depending on the footprint of the tank (hex tanks would obviously use less for example)

NG is right as usual, a 50 lb bag should be just about right.

Lab_Rat

10-13-2009, 12:36 AM

Agree that 100# should be more than adequate for a 55g.

EddyC

10-13-2009, 12:39 AM

50 pounds sounds about right to me too.

When you need to know how much substrate to get, you can always check this site:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Hope that helps!

Northernguy

10-13-2009, 12:46 AM

Cristoffs formula usually works well.thumbs2:
1lb/gal.

i_am_511

10-13-2009, 01:11 AM

Yea i got 100 Pounds for my 75 gallon and decided to use it all. You could set some aside in case you ever lose sand over time cleaning it which you might lose some over time.

Mith

10-13-2009, 02:08 AM

I used 80lbs for my 125g Jebo tank. Roughly 2.5-3" everywhere.

Northernguy

10-13-2009, 02:30 AM

I used 80lbs for my 125g Jebo tank. Roughly 2.5-3" everywhere.
What is the footprint of that tank Mith?
You did real good.

Gramazing

10-13-2009, 03:22 AM

I got 50 lbs for my 55 gallon tank and had a little bit left over.

bushwhacker

10-13-2009, 05:01 AM

50 lbs in my 55, 100 lbs in the 75 and a little under 150 in the 100 gallon

vegas2k

10-13-2009, 07:55 AM

yah get the 50 pound bag...I did and have left over..which is fine..if I want more somewhere later I can add....and if you finish that bag you can then also buy smaller 10(something like that)pound bags too I believe from the pool stores.

sheamurai

10-14-2009, 12:22 AM

I wish I had thought to ask here before I bought...I bought four 50lb bags, and only used two for two tanks!
Oh well...still cheaper than buying sand/gravel at the lfs!

Lady Hobbs

10-14-2009, 09:05 AM

YES. Your one bag (100 lbs) will be enough and possibly more than enough. I used about 80 pounds in mine.
You only need the sand about 1 inch deep if you're not planting it but 3-4" deep if adding plants.

domjd05

10-15-2009, 01:41 AM

I got 50 pounds for my 55 gallon, used all of it, but looking back I could've gotten away with 35-40 pounds.