Debating on getting sand

[kngiraffe]

who all would recommend aquarium sand? debating on getting it or not.

[EvilVOG]

i use sand in all my tanks now because when clean out time comes, i can throw it out as opposed to trying to wash gravel that takes forever and never really does fully get clean.

I am currently using play sand that cost me $4 for a 40lb bag. I know others that use pool filter sand that you can also get fairly cheap. Definately beats $25 for 20lbs. Unless you want Black sand, i don't know a cheap alternative for that.

[bastage]

20 grit silica sand is probably the best budget sand.. I Bought 100 lbs for about 6 bucks & its fairly clean to start with (its the same thing as Pool Filter Sand)

[kngiraffe]

so it doesn't have to be aquarium sand? it can be cheap play sand or sand art sand?

[EvilVOG]

play sand yes, i don't know about sand art sand tho. Particularly if it has any chemicals or dyes in it.

[emeraldsky]

I use play sand, its WAY easier to keep clean for me and $5 for 50lbs of it is a great deal. $10 dollars covered all my tanks

[bastage]

play sand is much dirtier then silica sand if you can find it bulk. Locally home depot & lowes dont cary it where I am, but most actual lumber yards & building material stores do (just not the big box stores)

[SmokeNLark]

I love my sand. I have specific aquarium sand in my 10 gallon, and I am I'm the process of cleaning a bunch of play sand for my 55. The play sand is actually really nice. It does take a lot of cleaning, but at $4 for a 40lb bag, it's worth it. It's a nice color too. I don't think sand art sand would be ok. I'm pretty sure it has chemicals and the dyes for the colors can't be good. (I think we're talking about the same thing)

[Super Sly]

Actually im going to pick up some play sand today to get a jump start on my 55 that im going to divide. I thought you had to use aquarium specific sand. Thanks to everyone on here Im going to save quite a bit on setting this new tank up. Play sand is quite a bit cheaper its like 3 dollars for 50 lbs. here. It really is a nice alternitive.

[MarcusTheGreat]

how much sand would be enough for a 10g tank?