Floating Sand!

[fishcakey]

I put some sand in my tank today in preparation for my baby axie, and some of the sand is floating! I bought a small bag of hermit crab sand at petsmart because it was the only thing they had in a small size because I only needed a little more to complete the tank. Perhaps that is the sand that is floating? Is this normal, and will it eventually settle?

 

[Kaysie]

I don't think hermit crab sand is aquarium compatible.

Further, I'm pretty sure it's calcium-based, and shouldn't be used with axolotls.

 

[fishcakey]

it was the ONLY sand I could find anywhere after going through 4 different stores

why is it bad?

 

[Kaysie]

Calcium can leach into your water and alter your water chemistry.

 

[Mandy6]

Sand used for hermit crabs or reptiles isn't made for use in water/aquariums. These can leech chemicals into the water that are harmful to axolotls. Most pet stores/aquarium stores will sell aquarium sand.
You can also use kids play sand.

But remember no matter what type of sand you use you have to rinse it like crazy first.

 

[fishcakey]

Well, I did rinse it, and I got the sand at petsmart and literally it was the only sand there, the only aquarium based substrate was gravel, which is bad too. This sucks though 12 dollars wasted

 

[Mr Poseidon]

You can always leave it bare bottom until you find some!

 

[fishcakey]

looks like that's going to be the option because it's almost impossible to find

 

[Mandy6]

Have you tried going to an actual aquarium store? One that just sells aquatic animals and accessories?

 

[fishcakey]

Not yet, but there's not a real one near my area. There used to be one but it closed down.

 

[Aaran]

Walmart play sand, 10kg bag i got was like £2.80 really pale, no problems at all, got my fish and both my axies on it, and no problems at all, rinsed through really fast and the grain size is TINY!

should be in the seasonal section, or near the kids toys.

 

[Aaran]

there is also pool filter sand from home depot, thats what i have heard on here anyway im not from the US so i cant really help that much.

 

[fishcakey]

Hmm, thanks for the walmart advice, I'll check that out. I went to target in the craft and gardening and child's section and didn't find anything. But I have to go out of town to the doctor and there is a real aquarium store on the way, I'm going to check it out there. But if not I guess walmart sand will have to do!

 

[Aimzs Lotties]

Fishcakey, I had the same problem.. could not find sand ANYWHERE.. Well that's not entirely true.. I knew there was kids play sand at bunnings but I was heart-set on coloured sand. I tried art&craft stores, all 3 pet stores in my area, department stores, EVERYWHERE.. And it didn't exist! So I just went with the play sand..

Until last week when I found out one of the pet stores I checked.. are able to order a few colours of sand in.. So I did so (black and white mix) and I should get it by the end of next week.. YAYZ! Best part.. I don't have to clean the old stuff out coz I have a new tank, and am lending my old one (sand and all) to a friend. WOOT! Good luck with your search. Try a hardware store..