|
Post by samuelskelly on Nov 24, 2009 10:28:20 GMT -6
Ill try home depot
|
|
|
Post by plecoman on Nov 24, 2009 20:01:57 GMT -6
Is it safe to use sand in my pleco tanks? I really getting tired of cleaning the rock! Sounds like sand would be a lot easier to clean.
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 24, 2009 20:07:53 GMT -6
Sure it's safe. The plecos are all fine in it here. Even the ones we got from you! They made a clear difference in tank maintenance today.
|
|
|
Post by plecoman on Nov 24, 2009 20:35:20 GMT -6
Hey that's great! I've heard from others that sand will raise the "ph". I really need to learn more about the sand. I believe I just need plain old pool sand. Is that correct?
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 24, 2009 22:04:15 GMT -6
Yes and pool sand isn't made of crushed coral or aragonite so it shouldn't raise your Ph at all I wouldn't think. It's just plain old sand.
|
|
|
Post by jtrotter77 on Nov 24, 2009 22:10:12 GMT -6
sand is inert so it wont affect water values.. Depending on what look you are going for. Pool filter sand is preferred over play sand. You can also use coal slag if going for a black look.
|
|
|
Post by plecoman on Nov 25, 2009 7:33:13 GMT -6
I think the black look would be better. That way I can see the smaller pleco's better! The small albino's are hard to see when using light colored substrate. Thanks for the info!
|
|
|
Post by plecoman on Nov 29, 2009 18:09:23 GMT -6
Does anyone ever have trouble with sand getting picked up into the hob filter? I have extensions on mine to get them down within a few inches of the bottom. I guess I maybe need to remove one of the extensions if there is a problem with the sand getting picked up by the filter.
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 29, 2009 18:19:56 GMT -6
half an inch might be an issue. I don't think inches is.
|
|
|
Post by sirknight on Nov 29, 2009 19:51:51 GMT -6
Having the filter tubes a few inches from the substrate should not be a problem. If you like black colored sand here is a good choice " CaribSea Tahitian Moon Reef & Marine Substrate". It will not alter PH. I think you can get it locally, but if not, Doctors foster & smith sell it. A 20lb bag is around $20.00
Joe
|
|
|
Post by plecoman on Nov 29, 2009 22:15:20 GMT -6
That sounds nice! I will check it out before I buy. Another question I have is: If the tank already has water and fish, what is the best way to put the sand in?
|
|
fishme
FORUM PARTICIPANT
Oblique
Posts: 503
|
Post by fishme on Nov 30, 2009 11:26:00 GMT -6
Pool filter sand is heavy enough that you can just put it in a bucket and pour it in. Just pour it in front away from the filter intakes and spread it after it's in there. I'm not sure about the other substances mentioned here, but I've done it with pool filter sand several times. It's not a bad idea to turn the filters off while pouring it in just in case.
When I first started changing tanks over to sand, I would take an empty food can, fill it with sand and lower it into the tank and dump it on the bottom that way. Takes longer, but if you want to be extra cautious, it works.
|
|
|
Post by plecoman on Nov 30, 2009 15:19:20 GMT -6
Thanks fishme! When I'm ready I'll start out with the can, see how it does, and go from there.
|
|