Homebase Sharp Sand for loaches?

[Akwarybka]

Did anyone tried to use this sand as a substrate for aquarium? I wonder if it would change water parameters...

[Diana]

With a name like Sharp Sand I sure would not try it. Regular sand is not very sharp, so is generally safe for bottom dwellers and fish with barbels that dig into the substrate. Sharp means to me a more angular material that might injure them.

As for the chemistry, get a handful and try it. (If there is a broken bag....)

[Akwarybka]

Thanks for reply, I will stay away from it

[redshark1]

I use horticultural grade Silver Sand. My catfish love it. I believe it is inert and also of great benefit is the fact that all the stuff I've bought has been clean straight from the bag.

Pool filter sand seems to be what many people use, but I haven't tried it yet.

I too would be wary of sharp sand. What you need is rounded grains.

[Akwarybka]

Redshark1, any idea about the size of the grains? I'm looking for something around 1mm.

[redshark1]

Akwarybka, 1mm is coarse sand.

Silver Sand is fine sand.

Pool Filter sand is coarse sand.

I believe this is the case.

I prefer fine sand. Why do you want coarse sand? It's OK, I'm just wondering.

[Akwarybka]

Redshark1, my cryps don't root well in too fine substrate, that's why I'm avoiding it.

[redshark1]

Ahh! Thanks for the tip!

[Diana]

I can find sand graded in any of several sizes at one of the local rock yards. It is in bags, and is labeled with the size mesh that the sand is sifted through. They even call one of the sizes 'Aquarium sand'. (This last is a very coarse sand, perhaps 1/6" or larger... maybe 1/10", it has been a while since I saw it)

Pool filter sand in the local pool supply store is 30 mesh, or about 1 mm. This is fairly fine, not dust though. The sand is a uniform size, so it does not compact, so plants ought to root in it quite well. It is rounded enough for bottom dwellers, and they can dig though it easily.

There is a product that is labeled 'Play sand'. It has dust as well as fine sand. (I would not use this in a sand box for my kids! They would forever be tracking it into the house. Give me something coarse that brushes right off!).
In an aquarium, play sand compacts, and clouds the water all too easily until the microorganisms glue it down. The water does not pass through too well, so it can develop stagnant, anaerobic areas, especially under rocks.