Sand Question

[Kayla-Bug]

Hi all. I have a question about some sand I have. As you may know, I am setting up my 20 gallon as a community tank and I would like to plant it. I have about 25 lbs of sand that I bought for a reptile tank, but then decided not to do reptiles. Could I use this in the aquarium? And if so, would I need to clean it and what not? Thanks.

[Holyvision]

I would clean it -- Just note (at least from my research) that some plants do not do well in sand, and prefer a small to medium grain substrate. Reasons include: The packing of the sand makes the root system hard to expand, and can "starve" the plant as there isn't as much flow of nutrient through sand as their is gravel.

But yea, I would wash it -- even then it will likely take a while to settle down.

[cocoa_pleco]

is it still in the bag? most bags say whether its aquarium safe in the fine print

[Fishguy2727]

Many reptile sands are calcium based, dusty, and course.

What brand and type?

Actually most plants do better in sand and really fine substrates like that. I have not had any that did not do really well in the sand I use in all my tanks.

[SamAnthrax]

If it is safe, I saw this one thing how to clean sand which is you put some in a bucket, maybe 10-12 lbs at atime, and u take a hose and shoot it into the buckets sot he bucket will overflow, while its overflowing the lighter sand parts will float out of the bucket while the good sand will stick in the bottom of the bucket :)

[Kayla-Bug]

It's not still in the bag. We bought it and dumped it in a tank because we were going to set a bearded dragon tank up, and never did. So it has just been sitting there. And Fishguy2727 I agree with you. I used to have sand it my planted tank and the tank flourished with the sand. Anyways it is vita sand brand. Even if it is the calcium sand? I can wash it as many times as necessary.

[Northernguy]

Scoop the sand out and do the overflow method with a plastic tub or bucket.If you try it with the tank, you stand a very good chance of cracking it.
Have fun,I'm sure it will be worth the trouble!

[Northernguy]

OOOPS! old thread sorry.

So ,how did the tank turn out .Any pics?
LOL

[Kayla-Bug]

LOL it's not an old thread. I just posted yesterday I think. And I still have to wash the sand out (haven't done that yet :P) I will probably have to do that this evening because I am going to Petsmart and Petco today (YAY) to get supplies for my community tank. This is the tank I will be putting the sand in when I get it clean. Thanks for the help!

[Kayla-Bug]

I put some of the sand in one of my bettas tanks today and I am going to let it sit overnight. I put plants and such in there as well. I have a bio wheel filter on it. I am going to put my betta in there tomorrow and see how things go. Wish me luck!