Petco "sand" they changed grain size.

[Thunderloon]

Petco has started selling very fine 1.5mm gravel for aquariums recently down here instead of the fine sugar sand they have been carrying.

If you've seen that and wondered its because the super fine sand is dangerous in layers more than two inches thick, it can grow bad bacteria and produce cyanide, etc.

Look up "live sand bed"

I consider the change to this 'micro gravel' an improvement.

Their stones and rocks and gravel seem to have improved over the last year.

[BettaGirl290]

o_o i never use sand, so im good ^.^

[jman828]

Good to know, thanks for posting that!

[N03113]

Originally Posted by Thunderloon

Petco has started selling very fine 1.5mm gravel for aquariums recently down here instead of the fine sugar sand they have been carrying.

If you've seen that and wondered its because the super fine sand is dangerous in layers more than two inches thick, it can grow bad bacteria and produce cyanide, etc.

Look up "live sand bed"

I consider the change to this 'micro gravel' an improvement.

Their stones and rocks and gravel seem to have improved over the last year.

Even with the larger grain size, you still need to churn the sand or get Trumpet snails to prevent anaerobic spots in the sand.

[Creat]

I actually dont like the switch... sure its nice to have but its looks bad in a tank I think... I still love my fine grain sand though keep in mind all my tanks are planted so I feel safe having a 3 in deep sand bed.

[BlakbirdxGyarados]

Even with 1" of fine grain sand, it can get bad. I've got snails that like to bury themselves and an Amano shrimp to help keep it clean, though. A little white gravel is also mixed into the sand, so it helps... I think.

I don't think I'll be buying the new sand though. My hairgrass already has tiny enough roots... The not-so-fine-but-still-really-small gravel didn't work for it, I doubt this similarly sized sand will work.

But hey, whatever works for each person.

[Creat]

And from what I have heard at petco its becuase the less fine sand now is also cheaper.. it doesnt have to be ground down as far anymore

[Thunderloon]

Originally Posted by Creat

And from what I have heard at petco its becuase the less fine sand now is also cheaper.. it doesnt have to be ground down as far anymore

They're all grades that come out of the same machine at different ports. (I trained to run a sand grinder but then a vet got rights-pushy and was hired instead)