matildanz Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Thinking about changing the substrate in my 5 ft tank. Currently it is white silica sand over Daltons. I used it mainly because it was sitting in the garage, but cripes it gets filthy! I've been doing regular partial water changes mainly with a syphon trying to clean the bottom up but it stays clean for all of a day, and by the time the clowns have spent the entire night re-landscaping, the entire tank is covered in a fine layer of sand. Can't be good for the filter either! I'd like to go darker but not sure what to use. The LFS here is awful and has nothing in the way of sand/stones unless you want neon/coloured ones! Any suggestions on what I could use -preferably still sandy (for the loaches) but not so fine as the white? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Play sand / builders sand from local hardware or landscape supplier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshlikesfish Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Play sand / builders sand from local hardware or landscape supplier? +1 IDK how the CL's will like it, but my cory's never complained Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matildanz Posted June 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 Thanks I've had playground sand before (Mitre 10 Mega had playground sand that was guaranteed free of 'bits') but I wasn't overfussed about the colour - kind of yellowy/brown, almost like the Daltons. I'll have a look for some builders sand, see if the colour is what I'm after It's fairly slim pickings down here! :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 The local nursery sells 'river sand' it is very nice, and super cheap, about $4 for 20L I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henward Posted June 2, 2011 Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 I found silica was good, they loved the consistency andplayed around on it lots. anything fine is good IME Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matildanz Posted June 2, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 2, 2011 I have to agree Henward, they sure love the silica sand! I've found they are so much more active now that they have sand as a substrate. I'm sure there's a competition between the clowns and the bronze catfish as to who can dig the deepest hole!! I'll definitely stick to something fine but perhaps just a little heavier than the silica. Thanks Jennifer, I'll see what I can find - it's slim pickings down here :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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