Habitat - Indoor :: No to gravel, yes to sand?

[Rafa2k]

I have seen several people post they use sand on the floor of their tank instead of the dangerous gravel. However, I do not see what type of sand to use. I went to the pet store, don't want to name names, and they had sand for fish tanks but were unable to tell me if it was suitable for my 2 RES. Would someone be able to tell me the type of sand to use? Also what are some of the positives and negatives?

As you can probably tell I'm a new RES owner and doing most of my research on this AWESOME forum. Thank you all for your support, my happy little guys sure appreciate it

[PridgNYC]

Pool filter sand or play sand are both suitable. I prefer Pool filter sand which you can get at any pool supply store because it is much easier to clean than play sand which you can pick up at most any hardware store. Pool filter sand runs about $10 per 50lb bag, and play sand usually runs 5-7 dollars per 50lb bag. You will need about a pound of sand per gallon of tank capacity.

[Listen97]

Check out viewtopic.php?f=6&t=17268 for the Sand Sticky

[Rafa2k]

Thank you both for your prompt replies. I did a search for Sand in the forums and must have missed the sticky. Thank you so much for posting the link.

[Rubicon]

I use what I consider premium sand. The grains are larger so when kicked up they drop faster, very little rinsing if any is needed, and they come in many great colors.

[Rafa2k]

That is a VERY nice set up. I need to get some fake plants for mine as well, put a live plant in there and my little guys tear it up. My daughter and I ended up at Walmart last night and she picked out some Pink sand for our tank. So we'll see in a few days how that turns out

[devilduck]

If your near a Michael's or some other craft store you can get silk plants for cheap.
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=32463

[MEandYouPhoto]

I use what I consider premium sand. The grains are larger so when kicked up they drop faster, very little rinsing if any is needed, and they come in many great colors.

Don't mean to bump an old thread but what do you mean by premium sand and where do you get it?

[Rubicon]

It's basically a dollar a pound sand from Petco. If you buy 20lb bags you save some.

[Rafa2k]

I agree with Rubicon, I have play sand and when my kick it around, it forms a little cloud. Nothing major, but they're very small right now, later on it may be bigger clouds.

[slider_keeper]

I use play sand and have no issues with my grown male. The key is to clean and clean and clean the sand before putting it in the tank to get rid of all the small particles. When my turtle kicks up the sand, it simple falls back to the sand surface. Play sand gives the most possible natural look we can achieve without putting mud in the tank.