Changing substrate

**reds_21** · 01-09-2010, 04:19 PM

also, has anyone ever used QUIKRETE play sand for there tanks? i found some at ACE true value hardware for $6 (50 lb bag)

**KingFisher** · 01-09-2010, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by reds_21

also, has anyone ever used QUIKRETE play sand for there tanks? i found some at ACE true value hardware for $6 (50 lb bag)

I used it in my 55g for a year with good results. You will need to use root tabs under the plants and be sure to stir the sand regularly to prevent it from compacting and to prevent dead pockets from forming. Make sure to rinse it well before you use it. Malaysian Trumpet snails also help as they burrow through the substrate.

**reds_21** · 01-09-2010, 04:36 PM

will you have to use this with all types of sand? i saw some quickrete play sand at ace hardware for really cheap, but posted a thread about that as well. i dont have the money for true aquarium sand so im trying to go the cheapest route with out sacrificing the health/visual aspect of my tank.

**KingFisher** · 01-09-2010, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by reds_21

will you have to use this with all types of sand? i saw some quickrete play sand at ace hardware for really cheap, but posted a thread about that as well. i dont have the money for true aquarium sand so im trying to go the cheapest route with out sacrificing the health/visual aspect of my tank.

I used the Quickrete playsand.

**SamandAnne** · 02-02-2010, 06:17 PM

Just to add something into the mix here...I had a question about live plants, sand, and changing substrate...I just setup a 30 gallon with black sand, and then decided to add live plants, which I did into the sand. The sand is about 1.5" deep. Would it be advisable to put flurite or eco-complete down under the sand where the plants are? Could I move the sand away from the plants, put the flurite or ecocomplete down, plants in, and then sand back on top? Someone else suggested just putting flurite on top of the sand?

What would you suggest? Just wondering about long term plant survival. I got them as large plants off Craigslist from someone who was moving, so they have long roots already (deeper than the sand, I planted them with roots going to the sides).

Thanks!

**Northernguy** · 02-02-2010, 06:21 PM

Having a bed of the eco complete under the sand is a great idea.You will have to careful when vacuming not too mix the two.
It is trickier to plant and the keep the two levels seperate.I think the two substrates would eventually mix together.The heavier of the two will stay more on the bottom.

**souly** · 02-02-2010, 06:27 PM

I changed my substrate to sand just recently, (With northenguy's suggestion of Pool filter sand) and just mixed the flourite with the sand so it has a nice, black and brown look to it.

**mjbickford** · 02-04-2010, 05:12 AM

souly, do you have pictures, i might like that combo for my new planted tank project.

**Phreaxer** · 04-19-2011, 04:06 AM

awesome thread. I joined this forum to ask thud exact question! :)

Thanks

**sallywally** · 08-28-2012, 05:11 PM

If I eliminate all the old water, will I need to cycle again? I've heard there are good bacteria in the water column.

I am thinking of getting the white CaribSea sand that has the bacteria in the water in the bag of sand. I think it's Moonlight something.

This is a great thread. It has helped me a lot! Thanks to everyone.