How much sand for a 55g?

**waterboy12076** · 01-07-2009, 01:26 PM

We are getting ready to set up our new 55g. After reading several posts on using sand as a substrate, and seeing pictures of how nice it looks, I think we are going to go that route. How many bags (say 50lb bags) would we need for a 55g. Not planted, typical couple inch depth. Thanks.

**waterboy12076** · 01-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Never mind.....just found the Substrate calculator sticky from Lady Hobbs....Thanks Lady!!!

**Lady Hobbs** · 01-07-2009, 03:52 PM

The less sand in your tank, the less problem with gas pockets.

And you are welcome. :)

**waterboy12076** · 01-07-2009, 06:17 PM

Gas pockets?

uh oh....didn't read about that....

**korith** · 01-07-2009, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by waterboy12076

Gas pockets?

uh oh....didn't read about that....

It's not too much of an issue, when you do water changes, just run the siphon through the sand to get rid of any pockets. Or you can just run a stick through the sand.

**rageybug** · 01-07-2009, 06:58 PM

You will get pockets of gas in the sand as food and watse decays in the tank. These gas pockets are not a huge problem but as they build up they will cause problems in the tank. Just run a wodden spoon through the sand every few weeks to release the bubbles from the sand.

If you have not already bought your sand. Check out your local swimming pool store. The have silica sand (used in pool filters). It is super cheap to buy and has the right weight to keep it out of your filter. Also, it has a nice light colour to it. We use it in our SW tank and have used it in FW tanks too.

**waterboy12076** · 01-07-2009, 07:08 PM

Do I vac the sand like I would gravel?

Pool store pool sand...great idea!!! Thanks...

**Northernguy** · 01-07-2009, 08:14 PM

If you are buying pool filter sand it should be cleaned first.Just put some in a bucket and run the hose in it.Stir it up and turn it over and let any debris flow out the top.Empty out most of the water and its ready.
You will need about 40lbs of sand for a 55.I used 25lbs for a 35 and its about 1 1/2" deep.
A 50lb bag is under 10 dollars.
To vacuum it just hover over the sand slowly and it will pick up most everthing.If you go into the sand it settles very fast.
Place a sponge over your filter intake,it may save your filter impellor.

**TazManiac** · 01-07-2009, 10:36 PM

I used 90lbs of pool filter sand in my 55gal. It is quite deep. Maybe try a 50lb bag first and see what you think about the depth.

Pool Filter Sand is also uniform in size so gas pockets are less of a problem.

Aaron

**rageybug** · 01-09-2009, 08:14 PM

***** IMPORTANT *****

Do not breathe in the dust from silica sand. It is very bad for you. The safest way to clean the sand is to put the bag in water and open it up under the water so no dust escapes. The other option is to use a top quality dust mask.