Where to get sand for tank

[Joy]

Hi, I want to add sand to my axie tank and I've read that I shouldn't use sand from saltwater beaches which is what is nearest to me. I haven't seen any sand on quick look at the fish stores. Can I buy builders sand by chance at the hardware store and wash it or where do you normally get it? Thanks

 

[RobM]

Builders sand is normally collected from beeches, and therefore contains a high level of salt (among other things), this would be no good for putting in your freshwater aquarium.
Kids play sand may be a possibility for you, however you will have to rinse it very well and perhaps have to sieve it. I think it can be best to play it safe though, and keep looking in aquatic shops for fine sand that is aquarium safe.

 

[blackdog]

I use this stuff - it is perfect. - https://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/catalogue_products.php?prodID=4776

* Very little cloudiness, settles well (in fact ready to go within an hour)
* Deep black to show off a light axies colour
* Easy to clean, doesnt make the water cloudy when cleaning
* relatively cheap for high quality aquarium sand
* Did not effect water parameters in any way
* Very fine and axie safe
* has a sachet of "water conditioner" in it - i didnt use it, didnt need it i felt, but whatever you like
* I used 2 x 9 kg bags far a 92 x 42 footprint tank

Store was good too , fast delivery and helpful on the phone

Bren

 

[lea]

You can use childrens play sand from bunnings as well.
I got 20kg(i think that is how heavy it was) sand from city farmers for $10(great special).
Make sure you wash it and when you think you are finished washing it give it another few rinses.

 

[Joanne]

Yeah I got mine from Bunnings (play sand), $6 for 20kgs, looks really natural in the tank but you do have to wash it really well. Was so surprised the amount of gunk that can out of it

 

[Joy]

Fantastic. Thanks all for all your suggestions! I assume axies still will eat a bit of sand as they would with gravel but that it's not unsafe for them to eat sand as opposed to fish gravel?

 

[zoezakella]

HI Joy, gravel will impact an axolotl whereas sand tends to get spat out when an axie eats so is therefore safer

 

[Joy]

Looks like a great online shop. thanks for the tip. I like the look of the black sand too for my albino. Cheers

 

[Joy]

Thanks Zoe. Good to know. I'd spit it out too

 

[reneab]

I'm curious about the sand too. A friend just told me that she heard Axies can die from taking in too much sand. My question is; would aquarium sand (say bought from the supplier Bren suggested) be alot finer than sand from Bunnings or a similar supplier and therefore safer?? Or are they much of a muchness except Bunnings sand needs more cleaning?

Thanks
Renea