Can sand cause any problems?

Stephen, you didn't explain what you meant by pH problems. What was the pH, how were you testing it, and were you trying to adjust it somehow?
 
He posted another thread that said it was too acidic, far as i remember.
 
There is no way (that I know of) that sand could cause the pH to become acidic, unless it was due to decaying material IN the sand (which seems very unlikely if you had the sand for just a short time).
 
So if I just buy play sand at a hardware store that will be fine..?

I was going to just get a lot of large river rocks, but the thought of my pets getting their legs stuck between the rocks is too much for me to handle.
 
Fine sand looks nice with a few river rocks interspersed over it - the rocks reduce the monotonous beige. Play sand should work, but the problem with it is that it contains a lot of fine particles. You'll need to spend a lot of time rinsing it in a bucket before using it. Be sure to use a thin layer, and keep it at a distance from filter intakes.
 
Sand CAN effect your ph level makes it slightly harder (about 0.5) (as there can be salt in it - especially coral sand ) This was fantastic for me as I live in an exstremely soft water area so the extra 'hardness' is good for the axies (i believe)so I suppose you need to know what the water is like in your area.

I still say sand is a good choice and it will only mean extra water changes for a while whilst the tank settles into it.
 
Most of our playsand is river sand not beach/coral sand, Ours we got from Hardware/Landscaping Co. Bunnings you can get cheap large bags from. You do just have to spend the time rinsing it (took husband several hours, but all well worth the effort once it was in the tank).
 
I decided against getting sand and got large river rocks instead. I did not want to fuss around with pH problems etc, plus we're in a very bad drought where I am so I cannot be rinsing and washing sand with lage amounts of water, especially when it is purely decorative. Thanks anyway! I'll post a pic of my tank soon, it looks great!
 
I can understand about the drought but we put sand i and because it's purely decorative, but because it is far easier to keep clean than gravel and river rocks, where even if handfeeding waste/poo will fall between the substrate.
 
I've had no troubles at all so far with the river rocks. I am glad I decided against the sand, I think it would have been way too messy and dangerous with the pH etc etc. My girls are loving the rocks.
 
I think it really depends on where and what type of sand you get. We've had no problems with pH in our tanks. Our tank pH levels range from 7.2=7.8
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
    There are no messages in the chat. Be the first one to say Hi!
    Back
    Top