Aquarium Safe pool filter stand?
 

Does anyone know or use a specific type of brand name pool filter or play sand that comes from local chain stores(Walmart, Target, Lowes,etc.) and is safe for aquariums? I've been wanting some sand for quite a while but aquarium sand from my Lfs costs too much and it seems that I am not getting my money's worth. Any help is greatly appreciated. :icon_smil

Many of the big box stores sell only play sands, which are inexpensive, but very dusty, gritty, and insufficiently dense, so that the grains may free-float when disturbed, get easily siphoned up, and may tend to clog up filter impeller assemblies.

Get true # 20 grade quartz-based, inert silica pool filter sand at a swimming pool supply store for around $10. for a 50 lb. bag. It's safe for aquariums, looks good, needs little or no rinsing, and won't display the negative features mentioned above about play sands.

Pics???

Chulios66: Check the various tank journals here on the forum or use the search function to find photos. There are hundreds of them.

The kind I'm using in my 10gal (see my signature) cost $3 for 50 pounds.

Here's some pics for you of #20 Grade quartz-based white silica PFS:

http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/...spaul/Sept2011
http://s1105.photobucket.com/albums/...aul/lolliblues

Your sand will differ in color depending on what color the source is. Generally they are mined within state so you'll probably have something different colored. Mine is a tannish brown. Kind of like wet beach sand but a bit lighter.

i just got mine from leslie's pool supplies last week, it looks great. it was like $12 with taxes for 50lbs.