Other than algae consideration they are the same. Black diamond blasting sand is cheap and pool filter sand is cheap. Both have their proponents.

 

That was said so diplomatically. :smile2:

 

Black sand hides dirt and algae well. White sand shows everything. However some fish tend to have different colors over different sand. Force instance any orange or yellow African cichlid should be over light sand as it makes them bright colored. Over black they kind of turn brown again. Yet some fish like black calvis have great dark colors and the white spots pop over black sand , over white and the fish washes out to a more gray color. So there are benefits to both.

 

Neither

 

This is really pretty. What kind of substrate is it?

 

Tahitian Black Moon sand has been discontinued (after some controversy over polluted batches).

IMO, Dutch style looks better with black, island / driftwood dominated scapes with white. So, you might decide on the tank "style" before finalizing your substrate choice.

Beside upkeep of white, some fish species have light phobia and should be avoided with light substrate. Cardinals being the prime example.

I don't belive the substrate color has much, if anything, to do with algae blooms. I would look for other causes and remedies.

 

Really? Because I bought some in May 2018 that I had an extra two bags left over that I was planning on using. Still unopened since then. Think its okay to use?

The kind of sand I used in the past that I had terrible algae problems with was Caribsea Sunset gold. I really liked the look of it though especially compared to black sand.

 

White sand reflects light and provides better light distribution to the bottom of plants. Black sand shows fish color better if you don’t grow plants. Black or white sand makes no difference if you are going cover up with dense planting or carpet plants. Black sand is unnatural and Ive never seen it in Amano’s nature aquariums.

 

Light sand will turn darker over time and you do see everything. I have pool filter sand now (off white) in one setup and even oto poop will show up very easily. Besides algae discoloration, even the bacteria that starts growing on the sand will turn it darker. If you want lighter sand use something further away from white and you won't notice it as much. You can also use inexpensive sand like PFS and just vacuum out the discolored areas and sprinkle new sand in.

 

My 2 cents:

It's really a matter of choice and the look you want for your tank. I like both and have Seachem black sand in a 40+ gallon tank and pool filter sand in a 15 gallon tank. Sure everthing shows up against the PFS but it makes it easier to spot when siphoning crud from the bottom.

 

For shrimp, I think darker sand is better. Some of my cherry shrimp turn clear in beach sand, but when I move them onto black sand they turn red

 

When I use lighter substrate with shrimp, I try to make sure most of my hardscape is much darker than the sand. That way my critters keep their coloration and are less likely to appear washed out.