Substrate Question -- Is black sand dyed?

[Rhaethe]

As the subject says. :ssmile:

Although I don't plan on futzing with my tank again any time soon, I keep getting drawn in by the concept of using black sand.

I'm not so sure I'd want to use it if it were dyed, though, as I believe I've had enough of dyed gravel. The black dyed gravel I have now ... that I JUST changed to, mind you ... is already looking a bit worn and drab. I think it's my super soft water wearing away at it.

[Northernguy]

I have never heard of black sand losing its color.
I don't know if its dyed or not!
What kind of gravel do you have now?
Is it Este's gravel?

[Rhaethe]

Uh oh.

It is Estes gravel ... is that a terrible thing? You've got me paranoid now.

I switched to it after the fiasco of the blue TopFin gravel I had leaching blue dye into the tank a couple weeks ago.

After the tipover of last night I don't think I could handle another emergency tank situation again any time soon :scry:

[Northernguy]

lol I was just curious.:19:
No emergency!lol I am surprised that the Este's is losing its color.
Its definately one of the better brands.

[Rhaethe]

Whew! :)

I had read a suggestion here (I think) to go with Estes, which is why I went to it.

It's not really losing it's color per se`. I might be too critical. It simply doesn't have the uniform look that it had in the bag, if that makes any sense.

It's still nice, and the mottled variation actually makes it look like soil, which is nice. The lure of smooth black sand keeps drawing me in though.

I know there is Multiple Tank Syndrome. Is there any kind of syndrome for "multiple substrates"? :ssuprised:

[souly]

It depends on the sand I would believe. I know there is naturally black sand out there.

[LadyHatred]

It's not really losing it's color per se`. I might be too critical. It simply doesn't have the uniform look that it had in the bag, if that makes any sense.

Perhaps, with the tank lights, plants and decor are making shadows? The only way to tell for sure if it's changing color is to get a sample of the "faded" and not-so-faded, bring it out and compare.

I have Este's black sand in one of my betta tanks and it's never lightened up or gone funky on me. Even with direct sun hitting it for a couple hours a day.

And yes, I do believe there is something similar to MTS but with Substrate. I go through it every time I set up a new tank. I have bags and bags of old, different color gravel!