4 replies to this topic

[Kimbo]

I was planing to start a 3 foot tank with 6 corys a school of neons and kribs. Would these fish handle a sand substrate?

[Adam Maskew]

The corries in particular will appreciate a sand substrate. Just make sure the sand is nice and rounded, otherwise the corries can damage their barbles as they dig in the sand.

Adam

[Brett4Perth]

Hi Kimbo,

Sand substrate should be fine. 2-3mm diameter seems to be a happy medium between compaction and being too coarse. Just make sure it is inert, and no beach sand which contains calcium carbonate.

Good Luck with the tank
Brett

[praet1234]

Hi Brett,

When u mean beach sand, do u mean the type u get from a gardening/landscaping place?

I was going to get some white beach sand, but after reading ur post about calcium carbonate, i now have my reservations.

stupid question - but can u rid beach sand of calcium carbonate. if not, what beach sand can u use for aquariums?

Thanks,
Julz

[Brett4Perth]

Sorry if I implied "beach" sand.

This is not a suitable substrate for a fresh water tank, it contains too much broken shell and coral that affects the pH and hardness of the water. There is no easy way to remove this.

I was talking about sand of the non-beach type. You can get it from landscape suppliers or CIM. You don't want organic material or fertilizer added to it. To check if it contains carbonates you can apply a small amount of acid, if it fizzes then it contains carbonates, if not it is probably inert.

Happy hunting
Brett