Sand in my 150 cichlid setup.

[tmixon_77539]

Ok, I have no idea what PFS is lol. How fine is too fine? Is play sand ok? I would like to go with white or black sand or substrate. As I have a lot of yellow fish and would like to broaden the color scheme as far as my fish go. I have thought about purchasing some peacocks and other bright colored cichlids, I just have to rehome my oscar and cats first. I think the blues and yellows show up better on black. What do you think? If I did go with black what would be the name of it called? Black sand?

[tbui1178]

+1 on Leslie PFS.

I've heard some people using the white sand blasting sand. I would tend to stay away from anything too fine as it will get sucked up in your filter and cause headaches down the road. I've been using PFS for awhile and have not had any problems.

[freespool]

personal prefference. just remember that fish dig, so make sure any rocks are down before the sand or they could fall over if stacked and the sand moved from under them. The fish will move the sand where they want it. I like about 2-3 inches, but like I said the fish move it around and they like to dig sand more than rocks.

[tmixon_77539]

Another quick question, how deep should the sand be? I was thinking less than 2'' thick.

[tmixon_77539]

Well pooh, I dam sure ain't drivin down to florida for sand lol. Thanks for the help, I will either settle for another color or pay out the wazoo for white sand I am sure.

[freespool]

easy to clean. I get mine at a pool supply store 50lbs for about $10. as far as pure white that is hard to find. mine is kindof a tan color. this looks more natural to me also. the only natural while sand I know of is back home in FL.

[tmixon_77539]

I have the pickup close to the bottom, but I can cut it off and shorten it, that wont be a problem. Any idea where I can get the sand? I mean ya I can go get some from a landscaping place, but I would like to find the white sand without paying an arm and a leg at the lps. As far as cleaning it, is it easier to clean than gravel? Thanks

[freespool]

Sand is my prefered choise since I started using it. I also have an FX5. People will tell you the sand will hurt the FX5, but as long as you don't put the pickup on the very bottom to suck up sand you should be fine.

[tmixon_77539]

I currently have gravel in my 150 and am looking to change the decor. I have never used sand and was wondering if it is more of a pain than what it's worth. I would love to go with a white sand. Not sure if it matters what species I have but I have a large Oscar, 2 large albino catfish, 2 african cichlids and 2 parrots. My africans seem to bury in the gravel under my huge white holy rock that I have in my tank. I have an FX5 canister filter on my setup. Would sand cause any filtration problems? Would I need to change any of the media in my filter to go with the sand? I have done some research on using sand, but nothing tells me about any of the following questions. Thanks for any advice.