Need Some Advice on Sand

I am looking to replace the gravel in most of my tanks. A good majority of the tanks are community, which I am more than likely going to use pool filter sand for (unless I can find good deals on aquarium sand). There are a few inhabitants that I want spe ific sand for though.

African cichlids; I am planning on adding some aragonite with regular sand for their substrate, is this a good idea? I want to keep them in high ph.

Red cherry shrimp; I want black sand to help their color stand out more, but I was mainly concerned about the price of this. Any ideas to help me?

Bristlenose plecos; mainly interested in getting the perfect mix to help the adults breed.

I am currently in Cannon Beach, Oregon and will be heading towards Portland tomorrow to check out all the pet stores, stopping everywhere along the way. Then headed home

for the africans i would do it slowly. black sand isnt really cheap in any form but you could always mix it with another cheaper variety or like ada type soil

Anthraxx wrote:for the africans i would do it slowly. black sand isnt really cheap in any form but you could always mix it with another cheaper variety or like ada type soil

Add the aragonite slowly? Ada type soil looks pretty expensive, moreso than black aquarium sand, and it says it lowers ph. Is there something I'm not getting? Unless you are talking about using it for shrimp tank?

You can buy black sand at Manufacturers mineral in Renton, 50lbs for $9.

Just go there and tell the lady at the front desk that you want to look at her aquarium sand samples. They have about 40 to choose from. It is hands down the cheapest anywhere.

Just go during the week, I found out the hard way they're not open on the weekends XD

Awesome. Thanks for the advice! Any idea if they ship?

CrazedAce wrote:Awesome. Thanks for the advice! Any idea if they ship?

Its a gravel company, I doubt they ship, but if you want to pay, I am sure they may do something for you. You may have to buy 12 yards of it though. LOL (thats a dump truck load)

Is 50lbs the smallest amount they sell? I'm also looking for some black sand, but I think I only need about 2lbs...

Probably better off going to Petsmart/Petco for 2lbs of sand.

Squirmteben wrote:Is 50lbs the smallest amount they sell? I'm also looking for some black sand, but I think I only need about 2lbs...

I have 2 lbs I will sell to you for $20. LOL You can have it.

madness wrote: I have 2 lbs I will sell to you for $20. LOL You can have it.

Cool! I'll have to see when I can make it down south sometime.

@Gryphon: I know it's only two pounds, but I always feel like the stuff at Petco/Petsmart is just painted rocks or isn't the best for sandsifters/diggers.

Squirmteben wrote:Cool! I'll have to see when I can make it down south sometime.

@Gryphon: I know it's only two pounds, but I always feel like the stuff at Petco/Petsmart is just painted rocks or isn't the best for sandsifters/diggers.

True, or who knows what else it may be. I've used play sand from HD before, had a nice gray color to it.

That is a great price for black sand! Thanks Madness for the tip!