Silica sand vs the beach sand

So im thinking of changing my silica sand to beach sand.

Must I remove fish? Will sand settle fairly qwikly? When vaccuming sand does it cos clouding again.?

The silica sand is really easy to maintain. But Im thinking of new look.

Thoughts??

 

Doesn't beach sand contain salt?

Doesn't sound like a good idea if so...

 

I considered beach sand for my tank when I first set it up, the thing that swayed me is the fact that you cannot guarantee that it's clear of biological matter and other pollutants.

Silica sand (after washing out dust) is also evenly sized compared to beach sand, I think it may cloud again or you may vacuum some of the finer particles.

If I started a tank with a very low budget then I may consider beach sand, no other reason than that would cause me to use it.

 

@DCWarHound what if I wash and soak in water for a while. Wont that remove salt?

 

@Ko7Ad I have the silica sand in the tank for more than 2 years now so all dust is long gone. Just wanted that white look of the sand. Good go with aragonite but its pricy.

 

Not sure,someone more experienced might be able to tell you.

 

I was actually referring to the beach sand that may cause some cloudiness. I am just assuming things here as I have never used it myself...

 

Beachsand will contain calcium (shells) so it will effect your waterparameters !!

 

I wouldnt use beach sand as such but i understand the motive.Poop stays on top to.What fish you got there asthe actual fack that you got shells in it mite make it Benificial actually?

 

Malawi cichlids @Quakeszn

 

Isn't fine siliciumsand available in SA?

 

Not sure

 

Here (Holland( we have three grainsizes of Poolfiltersand. I've the finest (like beachsand) and the middle. The last one I like most and seems to stay cleaner than the fine one !

 

Correct me if im wrong but would the crushed sheels in the sand not up the PH thus making it more suitable for malawis?im not sure im asking?

 

Think you're right, but don't know how far it will rise. And maybe it is indeed suitable for Malawis. I like silicium cause it's Ph-neutral and I've mainly South American fish !!!

 

Don't you think it will easily close down as well?

 

Yes it would probably close down, but lets say one were to use very thin layer (less than a cm).I myself also prefer the american cichlids but think in this case mite be beneficial for a malawi keeper.

 

Tend to agree do I don't know how far the Ph will raise and if it will Stabilize at an acceptible point

 

yah.can some more experienced guys chime in here please?

 

Hi @DoubleDutch i did not realize you in the netherlands.I have family that side.