Substrate

[jetchanic]

Re: Substrate

well all logic and reason out...  you are buying the wrong sand.  sugar sand or play sand will def. stir up in the water.  heavy grained sand like pool filter sand will not.  my siphon wont even suck it up.

[CichlidFan]

Re: Substrate

I think fish like the sand and I like the looks of it, but I found out recently that the lighter/smaller grain sugar sand is not desirable for larger tanks with frisky and or aggressive swimmers. Sugar sand looks great, and it is terrific for bringing out the colors in fish, but it's big down fall is the fact that it is easily picked up by every filtration system on the market today.

You can use the white sugar sand for small aquariums with docile and or placid fish, and or shimp, but not in any other condition.

I am currently trying to make a deal for some heavy grain black sand from North Dakota, it may be in stock later this month....for those who are interested.

CF

[wesleydnunder]

Re: Substrate

3. Momma says sand is the devil.  :evil:

ROFLMAO!!!

Mark

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Substrate

its like a bunch of kids fighting in the sand box.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Substrate

I have been using sand blast sand forever and I like its natural look.

[wesleydnunder]

Re: Substrate

I have been using sand blast sand forever and I like its natural look.

Same here, Bob. I think it also makes a perfect bed for UGF.

Mark

[CichlidFan]

Re: Substrate

Now I thought that you did not want to use sand on a UGF? How does that work?

CF

[wesleydnunder]

Re: Substrate

CF, the "O" or "ought" sized blasting sand has much larger grains than the pool filter sand or play sand. It also, if you get it from the right supplier, has far fewer fines to rinse out than other brands. The company that used to sell it to the pet shops was called TexBlast. As I understand from Prosper, someone has bought that old gravel pit and is again screening for the "O" size and selling it. Prosper has some now. I think it's much, much better than pebble substrates due to the greatly increased surface-area-per-volume available in the blasting sand. This makes for a superior biological filter bed, IMO. The only downside, if you want to call it that, is the need for weekly vaccuuming as part of the maint. regimen.

Mark

[CichlidFan]

Re: Substrate

So in essence it is very small gravel not really the typical sand that most people think of when you say sand.. correct?

CF

[imagirlgeek]

Re: Substrate

You can use the white sugar sand for small aquariums with docile and or placid fish, and or shimp, but not in any other condition.

I'm using the white sugar sand in 2 - 135's and a 100...all three packed with Tropheus.  I've had it in there for months...ever since getting it from you CF.  When I clean the filters, I usually scoop about a handful of sand out and toss it back in the tank.  No impellers have been affected though.  I think it's just so fine that it doesn't mess up the filters...just my experience.

[wesleydnunder]

Re: Substrate

So in essence it is very small gravel not really the typical sand that most people think of when you say sand.. correct?

CF

Zackly!

The grain sizes are close to the size of the "o" on your screen.

Mark

[MikeWhoTruong]

Re: Substrate

No CAK guys mentioned the Giraffe Catfish?!?!??!?!?

[CichlidFan]

Re: Substrate

So in essence it is very small gravel not really the typical sand that most people think of when you say sand.. correct?

CF

Zackly!

The grain sizes are close to the size of the "o" on your screen.

Mark

I see, so the water movement from the UGF is not restricted due to the gaps left by the "sand" ...very nice.

thanks

CF

[HawgHunter]

Re: Substrate

Not sure of the grade but this is TexBlast blasting sand....

[CichlidFan]

Re: Substrate

That looks to be medium grain SBS, but that would restrict the air flow of a UGF.

PS...nice meeting you brad.

Steve