Advice on sand

bigward · Post by **bigward** » 14 Nov 2006, 12:55

I am starting to get ready for my new 4x2x2 tank which will be getting set-up soon after Christmas.
I have read the discussions in the forum about sand or gravel and have decided to go with sand (for the first time) because I want various types of Tatias (Perugiae & Galaxius hopefully) and my L200's & LDA33 will hopefully enjoy it more than basic pea gravel.

My question is this:

Where can I get good quality sand from ?

I live in the North East but I am dying for an excuse to travel to Pier Aquatics if they have any in.

Cheers

Reginator · Post by **Reginator** » 14 Nov 2006, 13:19

Any half decent DIY store should have "childrens sand-pit" sand. It will be clean, rounded grains and cheaper than aquarium sand

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 14 Nov 2006, 13:45

I'm with Reginator. I bought my last batch of sand from B&Q, around Â£4 per 25 kg bag. It's a fairly light (in colour) sand. Works well as long as you don't lay it very thick (or if you lay it thick, make sure there's someone in there digging it over now and again to avoid pockets of detritus rotting).

It needs cleaning before use, just like any other aquariums substrate (no matter what the bag says!) - I found it easiest to get about 2-3" in a builders bucket and rinsing with plenty of water. If you put too much in the bucket, it takes more to rinse until it's clear...

--
Mats

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 14 Nov 2006, 14:34

I've used that sand as well for many years, but I've changed to river sand (1 mm). A bit more expensive but much nicer to look at.
Beware: don't buy breaker sand; it's literally smashed to pieces thus very sharp.

Post by **medaka** » 14 Nov 2006, 16:08

Not much help here I'm afraid. B&Q as suggested by Matsp is probably your best bet.

I usually get my sand (play pit) from either Tesco or Argos, around September as it is reduced, due to the end of summer time and no longer a stock item, and therefore allows me to spend more on fish selection.

but you could try TOYS R US, and see if they still stock it. Or, on a retail park near you, (Billingham or Middlesborough not sure which)? Try the big 'W" store and see if they still have any play pit sand in stock.

bigward · Post by **bigward** » 14 Nov 2006, 17:17

Thanks very much for the reply's,

I will hopefully get some play-pit sand from one of the places you all recommended.

MatsP - how deep would you recommend for someone who is not really bothered in plants (I only really have Java fern) ?

Also what do you mean by 'diggers' ? I already have Sterbai's and will hopefully get some Tatia's (know of anywhere ?) soon

Thanks once again

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 14 Nov 2006, 17:22

Cory's will dig to their eye-balls, which is about 1cm (1/2") or less, so if you don't need to plant in the sand, I'd say no more than 2cm (3/4").

I've got Satanoperca leucosticta in my tank, and they dig a bit deeper...

--
Mats

Post by **Marc van Arc** » 14 Nov 2006, 20:45

If you want to have a thicker sand layer, you could add a Hoplosternum species (Lepthoplosternum, Megalechis) to do the digging. Don't count on Tatias; they don't dig at all

bigward · Post by **bigward** » 15 Nov 2006, 11:53

Thanks for the reply's I feel a lot more confident about sorting it out now.

HOWEVER I now have a really BIG NIGHTMARE on the horizon.

I was hoping to get my tank (4x2x2) from Aquacadabra in Kent (pay for shipping) because my brother has one the exact same size and I like the look of it. I have just contacted Aquacadabra and to my horror their tanks are pick-up only (no delivery's).

Does anyone know of a reputable tank, stand & hood manufacturer who delivers (and won't charge the earth) ? I was hoping to pay around the Â£400- - Â£500 mark.

Cheers

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 15 Nov 2006, 12:14

Not quite the same size, but a Juwel RIO300 is around that price range, 20" wide, 24" tall (including hood) and 48" long. They look pretty nice too. I got mine from a place in Oxford, but there's a company in/around Manchester that does them too.

Or you can rent a van from a local company for around Â£35 and drive to Kent and back... A transit will use about a liter per 6 miles. Hartlepool to Bexleyheath is around 270 miles according to Mapquest -> 540 miles so around 90 liters of diesel at 90p per liter -> 81 pounds in fuel. Total cost around 120 pounds then... [You may be able to get a smaller van, like an Escort Van or some such, just check that the loading-floor is at least 4 and a bit feet long to get everything in, you don't want to drive 270 miles with the back door open, at least not this time of year...]

Assuming of course you or some good friend has a driving license...

--
Mats

bigward · Post by **bigward** » 15 Nov 2006, 16:19

Thanks MatsP

I think that is exactly what I am going to have to do - gutted. On the plus side at least I will be able to check a few nice shops on the way back up to the sunny North East.

Its a shame that there are no decent manufacturers up here, but then again there are'nt that many decent shops really.

Cheers.

racoll · Post by **racoll** » 15 Nov 2006, 17:37

You must have a mate with a van or a 4X4 you can cajole into either driving or letting you borrow?

That's what I do every time I need tanks moved

Digital · Post by **Digital** » 15 Nov 2006, 19:23

Peter Barretts in Stockton or Paddock Farm Water Gardens near Croft do aquatic sand.

I use it in my tanks and the cories/plecs love it.

Was just another source for you as i have heard that some people have had problems with playsand although i will add i have never used it so cannot say if it is good or bad.

Iporangensis Headach · Post by **Iporangensis Headach** » 16 Nov 2006, 00:34

Transit

I got my 48" tank, 48" Hood, and 48" Stand in a Toyota Yaris at the same time

I would just borrow somones car or use your own.

Put the seats down and maybe the front seat and load it up.

MatsP · Post by **MatsP** » 16 Nov 2006, 10:10

Iporangensis Headach wrote:Transit

I got my 48" tank, 48" Hood, and 48" Stand in a Toyota Yaris at the same time

I would just borrow somones car or use your own.

Put the seats down and maybe the front seat and load it up.

But I wouldn't want to drive 270 miles to find out that THIS particular tank DOESN'T fit - so make sure it's a big enough car first, then drive...

--
Mats

chris 1 · Post by **chris 1** » 17 Nov 2006, 02:27

Hi, hobbyfish in Milton Keens will deliver a Juwel rio 300 for Â£449 all inclusive

bigward · Post by **bigward** » 17 Nov 2006, 07:57

Thanks for the reply's people ............ I am going to borrow a friends Transit Van and drive down with my brother to pick it up.

We are going to have a few 'stop-offs' at some shops on the way back up.

Cheers

Genieworx · Post by **Genieworx** » 17 Nov 2006, 11:27

I ordered my Juwel tank from these guys and it was free shipping.http://www.aquariumsdelivered.co.uk/cat ... p-129.html

They seemed very good for price and swift in the delivery.

And on the sand digging front as Marc stated, Hoplos are great. I have a gang of 3 that will turnover the whole tank in a day. It's not quite the same thing but my Banjos also hep to keep the sand moving.