Substrate options on a budget

bbl_nk · 10-12-2007, 04:41 PM

Hey all.

Well i got a 75g aquarium last Christmas and is still dry in the garage as I'm finishing up a custom stand and hood and start purchasing items that I'll need. I know this can be an expensive hobby and am planning on a FOWLR to start and migrate as my interests and finances improve.

So here's just one of MANY questions I have. I am looking for a budget friendly option for substrate for my tank. For aragonite sand at the LFS, I can get a 50lb bag for $40.
Before anyone suggests play sand, let me say I've been to every store I can think of in Northern California and can't find anything besides your normal silica or quartz sand. From what I can find out, no place around here carries the aragonite or oolitic sand everyone desires.

I have heard talk about white pool filter sand, sandblasting sand and other options. I understand some silica may leech into the water if using silica based sand. I'd like to see a nice bright substate in my tank, don't want to go the DSB route and want to see if I could cut some pennies here so i can get some live rock or other goodies for the tank.

Thanks!

Brian

**CarmieJo** · 10-12-2007, 10:52 PM

Hi Brian,

Check out this podcast Cost Saving Tips - Podcast Episode 17 for cost saving tips. I would not skimp on sand to save $$. Sand along with rock is the basis or your tank. You can easily save money on your rock by buying mostly base rock (also called dry rock) and only a little LR. Check out MarcoRocks they are a TR sponsor and have super porous rock that you will not be disappointed in.

Mr. Tang · 10-12-2007, 11:14 PM

not to disagree with Carmie but I've had great sucess with playground sand. More specific, KOLORSCAPE SAND. You can pick this up at most of your garden stores for $3 per 50# bags. Just take a look at my members thread to see for yourself!!! I went with DSB and used 200# of sand for $15.00. Not too shagging!!!!!

**CarmieJo** · 10-13-2007, 12:02 AM

Actually I meant depth not type.