[Leeatl]

I know this has been beat to death and I have searched the forum and read a 100 threads . I was about convinced to use it when I read this thread.......

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/8...ssion/182293-black-diamond-20-40-closeup.html

I am concerned about the "wire" , "glass rods" , found in it . Does anyone have anymore input about that ? Thanks ,
Lee

 

[burr740]

Some of that stuff is scattered about but Ive never found it to be a problem. Been using 20/40 for a few years in several different tanks

All with very happy cories

 

[CowBoYReX]

I've never found anything in any of the bags I have gotten

 

[Leeatl]

Thanks for the pics . Does some of that stuff come out when it is washed ? I guess I am just over protective...lol

 

[burr740]

Thanks for the pics . Does some of that stuff come out when it is washed ? I guess I am just over protective...lol

Only what floats will come out in the rinse, dust mainly. And there's a lot of it so best to rinse it thoroughly.

 

[Leeatl]

Thanks for the comments so far . I may give it a try . There is a Tractor Supply about 3 miles from me .

 

[roadmaster]

20/40 grit for me as well.30/60 grit is finer.
I too saw the photo a couple year's ago.
Could have been just something that found it's way into that particular bag/batch or..staged .
I found a mouse on my whopper from Burger King,(not really) but would happily settle out of court, for free whopper's for life.

 

[rebelbuck1993]

i have it in my 75g almost a year now with no problems, 20/40 grit from tractor supply. just make sure to rise it very well. i just rescaped my tank last week and here's what it looks like 1hr after a rescape

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and here is what it looks like when the tank is settled older photo

[/URL][/IMG]

 

[thedood]

Count me in the good luck with bdbs column. I use 30/60 as it is whats available locally. I also have cory who are doing well in it.

 

[Leeatl]

I decided to try it , but , my TS is out of BDBS....:frown2: . Guess I will have to wait till next week .

 

[Leeatl]

Went to another TS and got a bag of 20/40 . Will start on the redo tomorrow , so here is a before pic......I decided to try it on my 10 gal fry/plant grow out tank first . If I like it I may do my 75 .

 

[Raith]

I presume these are safe, yeah? [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Blasting-Abrasive-Misc/dp/B0000AXAUQ?ie=UTF8&keywords=black%20diamond%20sand&qid=1461454629&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Black Diamond Blasting Abrasive [Misc.]: Home Improvement[/ame]

 

[Leeatl]

I am not sure that is the same stuff , but shipping will be a killer . Try to find a Northern Tool or Tractor Supply locally .

 

[Leeatl]

So got the redo done . Took about 2 hours . I found nothing in the BDBS but the grit and some larger pieces that I just sifted out . It did take a lot of rinsing . Once in the tank it settled quickly in about 30 mins . It is almost crystal clear again now about 3 hours after done . I like the look and it is much easier to plant in . Thanks to all for helping with my concerns and giving me the confidence to try it . I recommend BDBS to all with planted tanks .
Here is a pic about an hour after finishing . The MTS and Ramshorns don't know what to do yet , but the fish love it....lol

 

[rebelbuck1993]

I presume these are safe, yeah? Amazon.com: Black Diamond Blasting Abrasive [Misc.]: Home Improvement

yes same thing i use but the 20/40 version which is bigger grain(this is what you will want), 30/60 is way to fine if you have sand sifters it will be everywhere because how light it is. i use the 30/60 in my sand blaster for soft metals because how small it is and it almosts breaks down to dust afterwards

 

[Lonestarbandit]

Some of that stuff is scattered about but Ive never found it to be a problem. Been using 20/40 for a few years in several different tanks

All with very happy cories

Look at those barbells on those cories clearly not suffering!

 

[mageikman32]

i have it in my 75g almost a year now with no problems, 20/40 grit from tractor supply. just make sure to rise it very well. i just rescaped my tank last week and here's what it looks like 1hr after a rescape

[/URL][/IMG]
and here is what it looks like when the tank is settled older photo

[/URL][/IMG]

What substrate you using under the black sand or are you using 100% only black sand

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

 

[Carpathian]

I have 20/40 in my tanks, looking at keeping shell dwellers, would the 20/40 be too big for them to move around and make their homes?

 

[MtAnimals]

I have 20/40 in my tanks, looking at keeping shell dwellers, would the 20/40 be too big for them to move around and make their homes?

nope,it's pretty small.I set up a tank with it as a cap over MGOCPM,rinsed it in a bucket while stirring it with my hands,didn't get any cuts,no foreign material either.

it did leave an oily looking residue that washed out with plain water on the bucket though.

 

[Carpathian]

nope,it's pretty small.I set up a tank with it as a cap over MGOCPM,rinsed it in a bucket while stirring it with my hands,didn't get any cuts,no foreign material either.

it did leave an oily looking residue that washed out with plain water on the bucket though.

I've bought six bags of this stuff and use it in all my tanks. It does require a bit of rinsing as you stated but I find it excellent to plant in and fairly easy to clean. I just wasn't sure about the shell dwellers as I've never kept them and thought they might be happier with the finer grade as my tractor supply stocks both. Thanks for the reply