[Tiff]

I just saw that Petco sells black aquarium sand. Any thoughts or opinions? Anyone ever tried it? Didn't know if it was lighter than PFS or possibly discolor over time. Thanks!

 

[TactusMortus]

I bought caribsea tahitian moon sand from there I believe it is called and it was black. Great stuff however I later purchased some Black Diamond blasting sand from my local tractor supply and it is the exact same product. I mean I can hold one in each hand and run it through my fingers and I can not distinguish between the two. It is like $8 for a 50 pound bag. I love the stuff doesn't lose color my cories love it despite others saying it was going to be an issue. It is also available in at least two different sizes maybe more.

 

[nalu86]

I bought caribsea tahitian moon sand from there I believe it is called and it was black. Great stuff however I later purchased some Black Diamond blasting sand from my local tractor supply and it is the exact same product. I mean I can hold one in each hand and run it through my fingers and I can not distinguish between the two. It is like $8 for a 50 pound bag. I love the stuff doesn't lose color my cories love it despite others saying it was going to be an issue. It is also available in at least two different sizes maybe more.

same here
+1

don't forget to wash the black diamond couple of times. And use a surface skimmer for the couple first days to skimm the grease.

 

[Tiff]

Thanks! Do you have to worry about gas pockets with that?

I guess just looking for a blck substrate that's not too much of a pain to clean or is too lighr. Tried eco in the past but my plants are growing so nuch faster in my current PFS.

 

[ThinkTank]

blasting sand has sharp edges (used for sandblasting...). Not good for bottom dwellers like cories if you have them... Their barbells will eventually wear down or fall off.

 

[TeamTeal]

fine grade spectraquartz/colorquartz (if you can find it). it is just like black sand.

 

[TactusMortus]

blasting sand has sharp edges (used for sandblasting...). Not good for bottom dwellers like cories if you have them... Their barbells will eventually wear down or fall off.

I hate when people comment without reading entire posts. Also people who have no experience using the product who review it for you. I have a tank with approximately 30 or so cories one of which just spawned. No barbels wearing down everyone is as happy as can be nice fat and healthy.

 

[TactusMortus]

Thanks! Do you have to worry about gas pockets with that?

I guess just looking for a blck substrate that's not too much of a pain to clean or is too lighr. Tried eco in the past but my plants are growing so nuch faster in my current PFS.

Yeah ecocomplete is just to light in my opinion. The sandblasting sand is even heavier then Pool Filter Sand in my opinion. Very similar however except for the grain size they are smaller.

 

[nilocg]

I hate when people comment without reading entire posts. Also people who have no experience using the product who review it for you. I have a tank with approximately 30 or so cories one of which just spawned. No barbels wearing down everyone is as happy as can be nice fat and healthy.

I have blasting sand in my 75 gallon tank, it has been set up for the past 6 months or so. The cories have not had any issues with it.

 

[Tiff]

Thanks again for the responses everyone! Quick question...for those who have the blasting sand do you have MTS (snails) or do you not have to worry too much about pockets?

Thanks again! I really appreciate the responses.

 

[TactusMortus]

Thanks again for the responses everyone! Quick question...for those who have the blasting sand do you have MTS (snails) or do you not have to worry too much about pockets?

Thanks again! I really appreciate the responses.

Sorry forgot to answer that part. I do not have any problems with pockets. However even will pool filter sand in my experience. If you get to crazy with the depth you will end up with pockets.

 

[tuffgong]

+3 to Black Diamond


I swear by Black Diamond for cory tanks also. It's the exact thing as Tahitian Moon Sand. Trust me, I used like 5 bags before I discover the Black Diamond. You can't beat the price of the Black Diamond either. Tractor Supply almost gives it away at that price. I have two bags on standby right now! It makes a great cap over the potting soil in my tanks.

I plant heavy and poke the substrate with a fork as needed to avoid anaerobic pockets forming. I do have MTS, but not enough to make a difference IMO....

 

[Tiff]

Great! Thanks everyone! Now I just need to find some! I live in Wisconsin (farm country) so I'm sure there are plenty of places that supply it. I have an established tank so this might be a chore but worth it.

 

[[email protected]]

blasting sand has sharp edges (used for sandblasting...). Not good for bottom dwellers like cories if you have them... Their barbells will eventually wear down or fall off.

This one's been discredited.
The most barbel damaging thing in a tank is ammonia.
The natural habit of many corys is fast flowing streams and rivers. Up the filtration.

 

[Tiff]

I was able to find some not far from me..hopefully will pick it up this week. Quick question before I go...is there a certain grit/grade that I need to get it or does it only come in one?

Thanks again!

 

[mach_six]

I was able to find some not far from me..hopefully will pick it up this week. Quick question before I go...is there a certain grit/grade that I need to get it or does it only come in one?

Thanks again!

I think 20-40 grit is the only size they sell from TractorSupply for the Black Diamond brand. I wonder if it's worth the 50 mile drive.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...k-diamond-20-40-blasting-media-50-lb--3905403

 

[TactusMortus]

I was able to find some not far from me..hopefully will pick it up this week. Quick question before I go...is there a certain grit/grade that I need to get it or does it only come in one?

Thanks again!

Before yesterday I would have said it doesn't matter however. I bought the smallest grain yesterday. I will check the size later for you. I found out when putting it in my tank that the sand is not completely black it has a lot of dark brown in it as well as black. I happened to like the look it looks more natural however if your after a completely black substrate I would go with one of the bigger sizes.

 

[Tiff]

Good to know..thanks! I definitely want all black, if possible.

 

[amp]

Anyone try the Little Fury Fine Blend (30-60)? When I was searching Tractor Supply for Black Diamond that came up too. Looks like it might be a little bigger grain size then the Black Diamond.

 

[TactusMortus]

Well the Black Diamond at my local tractor supply comes in three different sizes. The largest is quite a bit larger then a grain of sand so I don't see why you would want larger then that.