Habitat - Indoor :: Sand FAQ

[javablog]

Thanks for looking into it Chris. I didn't see it but that doesn't mean its not there. Oh well I ended up getting the moon sand from Petsmart after all.

[Chrisbarnett]

You're welcome. I think the Moon sand looks better anyway.

[Lantic]

Anyone consider Live Sand?

[Daniel3507]

Live sand is used in saltwater tanks mostly. it has live cultures growing which help with coral and stuff i think. its not good to use it for a turtle tank

[Lantic]

Alright,I know it helps break down Ammonia,Nitrite & Nitrate. Helps pH.

[Chrisbarnett]

Alright,I know it helps break down Ammonia,Nitrite & Nitrate. Helps pH.

Well what kind of Live sand are you talking about? The ones for saltwater are no good for use in fresh. But the cichlid substrates, such as Eco Complete African Cichlid would do good for your tank. It just depends if you want to spend the extra $$$ for something that wouldn't make much of a difference for turtle keeping..

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_viewitem. ... oogle_base

If you do go ahead and buy this, make sure that you pour the water in the bag into the tank as well. That's an important step.

[Lantic]

I wasn't planning on getting it for my turtle, i was just curious because i stumbled on it and i didn't know if it was capable.

[mccuen]

I obviously didn't wash my sand long enough... 3 1/2 hours later and its still cloudy. The turtle is a wild swimmer and keeps it stirred up! So do you put the filter on before or after it settles? Do you put the sand in before or after you put a little water in it? Just trying to make sure I did it right.

[Chrisbarnett]

I recommend putting the filter after the vast majority of settling is done. You don't want sand particles in your filter, it's bad for the impeller. When your water is still a little cloudy, but you see no suspended sand particles, I'd say it's okay to turn on your filter.

Water level doesn't really matter when adding sand. When I first set up a new tank, I put in the sand first, then gently pour water in to avoid stirring up the sand too much. But when I have my tank all setup, I just add sand regardless of water level. It doesn't really matter in the whole scheme of things.

[mccuen]

Okay, thanks!

[ashipyor]

What are the pros to using sand versus having nothing at the bottom of the tank?

[ashipyor]

What are the pros to having sand at the bottom of your tank versus nothing?

[zoologist]

it looks a lot nicer than bare bottom. to me there is no difference other than looks

[Chrisbarnett]

Looks a lot nicer, and I think it is a lot more natural for the turtle to walk on.

[danny123]

is monterey sand at home depot the same as play sand? it contains silica and after washing it with my hands its kinda stinging lol.