floridasun5 wants to know:
I just got rid of all my old gravel and I’d like to add the pretty white sand to my tank, but all of the sand options say marine on them. Are they still safe to use in my freshwater tank with african cichlids + 2 plecos? Or if not, can anyone recommend any fine grain substrate that would look similar to sand for my tank? I just dont want the chunky, large rocks anymore. Thanks.
I just got rid of all my old gravel and I’d like to add the pretty white sand to my tank, but all of the sand options say marine on them. Are they still safe to use in my freshwater tank with african cichlids + 2 plecos? Or if not, can anyone recommend any fine grain substrate that would look similar to sand for my tank? I just dont want the chunky, large rocks anymore. Thanks.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
With African cichlids, yes, you can use it. Basically, marine sand will add ions to the water that harden it. But, for MUCH cheaper, you can use simple play sand! Looks just as pretty, and is usually inert. Just make sure to wash it very well, because you need to get rid of any dust. But then again, you’d have to wash marine sand well too.
I hope this helps
August 21st, 2009 at 12:41 pm
floridasun5 seriously no but then yes you can with any fish check it out!
heres what i use :http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18315/si1379462/cl0/caribseawhitemarinesand20lbs
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:47 pm
It should say on the package whether or not it’s suitable for freshwater. I use sand called marine sand in my freshwater tanks, but it specifically says it can be used in both fresh and saltwater.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
No, you shouldn’t use regular marine sand in freshwater. See about 1/2 way down here:
More info here–says why not to:
August 24th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
If the sand is composed of aragonite, it may buffer your pH higher than you want it to be.