Type of Sand to use

[jon]

I've been raising some baby axolotls now for a couple of months in a ten gallon tank. Right now I simply have play sand as my substrate, but because the sand isn't of very good quality, the imperfections of different rocks and such in the sand are making it constantly look dirty. I'm planning on setting up a larger tank soon and I would like to make it more of a show tank. What would everyone recommend as a good aquarium sand that both works well for the axolotls and is visually pleasing. Thanks.

 

[skylar]

black onyx sand is good, but quite expensive. Any sand from a pet shop is fine.

 

[alex]

you can get some from hardware stores too if u cant find any at pet stores. iv got sand from there its not the best but it does the job. sharn got plasterers sand which she is quite happy with. just look around places but make sure to ask if it has any added chemicals and if they think it would be suitable for an aquarium.

 

[jojo]

I use pool filter sand. Its quite light in colour and easy to wash. I tried washed river sand, but had no luck - 4 hrs of washing sand and the water still ran brown.

 

[sharn]

as long as its not coral sand you should be ok. also ask if its had any additives or will alter water chemistry ie contains limestone etc, if you have really soft water sand that has a bit of limestone will be ok though (it hardens the water)

 

[jon]

Thanks for the replies. I will check in at my local pet store and see what they have for sand. If not I may try the pool filter sand.

 

[joan]

I like the pool filter sand. Mine's sort of a medium tan. But dark enough that the little specks of plants and poo don't show up. Which may or may not be a good thing, as you have to be diligent about substrate vacuuming because you can't see it. I think it looks more natural than the play sand. In my newt tanks, I mixed it with brown gravel and think it looks quite nice.