Where to get sand for Corydoras?

[shrimppaste]

Hi Guys,

I am going to re-scape my tank to be a South American biotope with corydoras and thus would need fine sand as subtrate. I was thinking of using Sado sand but as my tank is 5 X 2 feet, it is gonna be crazy expensive. So can anyone suggest where I can find any?

Can I use playsand? Would playsand ever get non milky?

Thanks!

[Urban Aquaria]

Playsand should be okay... just make sure to test that it doesn't have sharp edges and isn't the type which raises pH (ie. got coral/shell fragments or from the beach).

Actually, if you are not planning to make a deep substrate, maybe just a shallow 1cm height of sand for the corydoras to sift around, you could consider just getting 2 bags of 5kg Sudo sand (ie. 150cm x 60cm base x 1cm depth = 9,000cm3 = approx. 9Litres or 9kg), it'll cover the base of the tank in a nice thin layer of sand and at least you'll know for sure that its safe for use.

[shrimppaste]

Hi thanks for doing the math for me!! The problem is that there is bracing on the bottom with 1 inch glass. So if I want to cover that bracing I would end up needing more? Thanks!

[Urban Aquaria]

Hi thanks for doing the math for me!! The problem is that there is bracing on the bottom with 1 inch glass. So if I want to cover that bracing I would end up needing more? Thanks!

I see... then you'll definitely need more sand to cover the bracing. Maybe can arrange some rocks and plants to cover them too.

[David Moses Heng]

Try Mizu word. They have planted tank safe sand for $12 plus minus for 10 kilo.

[qngwn]

Try Mizu word. They have planted tank safe sand for $12 plus minus for 10 kilo.

Wow that is cheap! definitely will check it out. currently using sudo sand for my cory tanks. they are omgexpensive.

[David Moses Heng]

Sorry.

It is $12.80 for 5 kilo.

Here is the link.

http://mizuworld.com/product/detail/955

[David Moses Heng]

Alternatively try this:

http://www.worldfarm.com.sg/online.asp?id=225

I usually use it as a mix for my terrarium mix.

NOt sure if it is suitable for aquarium use though...

[qngwn]

Sorry.

It is $12.80 for 5 kilo.

Here is the link.

http://mizuworld.com/product/detail/955

Ah thats around the market price. still abit steep, else maybe can get lapis sand and grind

Alternatively try this:

http://www.worldfarm.com.sg/online.asp?id=225

I usually use it as a mix for my terrarium mix.

NOt sure if it is suitable for aquarium use though...

Hmm, might not be sure sand too, best to get those sudo sand or riversand for aquarium use, cos do not know if those sold outside might be sharp for the corys to sift and play around with the sand.

[stormhawk]

Sudo Sand isn't exactly expensive. For a 5 ft tank, 2 bags of the 5kg size may not be enough. I have a 4 footer and even then I needed 2 x 5 kg bags and about 2 kg more, so basically 12 kg to get my desired depth. If you use this simple method I found on Youtube, filling the tank with sand without rinsing it first, will be a breeze.



I finished filling my tank with Sudo Sand in less than 20 mins with this method. Super simple and effective. All you need is a funnel and a 1.5l PET plastic drink bottle. IMO, use a rigid type like the Pokka drinks bottle. The soft ones like those for Pepsi, are not easy to handle. You squeeze too hard the sand comes out too easily and can be troublesome.

[qngwn]

Sudo Sand isn't exactly expensive. For a 5 ft tank, 2 bags of the 5kg size may not be enough. I have a 4 footer and even then I needed 2 x 5 kg bags and about 2 kg more, so basically 12 kg to get my desired depth. If you use this simple method I found on Youtube, filling the tank with sand without rinsing it first, will be a breeze.



I finished filling my tank with Sudo Sand in less than 20 mins with this method. Super simple and effective. All you need is a funnel and a 1.5l PET plastic drink bottle. IMO, use a rigid type like the Pokka drinks bottle. The soft ones like those for Pepsi, are not easy to handle. You squeeze too hard the sand comes out too easily and can be troublesome.

Wow thanks! I've been looking for this video for a long while!

Well I guess the amount of sand depends on the depth of sand that you want inside your aquarium as well..

[nicholasliao]

I thought it is better to just create a thin layer of sand for the corys to shift around? Wouldn't a thicker substrate cause waste matter to be covered and eventually build up?

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[qngwn]

I thought it is better to just create a thin layer of sand for the corys to shift around? Wouldn't a thicker substrate cause waste matter to be covered and eventually build up?

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Yes just enough will do, but that will depend on the type of cory you have in the tank as well.

Some cories do not shift the sand around much.

[nicholasliao]

Im planning to get a cory comm tank. Green and gold lasers, pgymy and sterbais

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[shrimppaste]

Wow!!! Thanks for the video!! Super timely as I would be doing my tank up tomorrow!!

[stormhawk]

I shared it in one of the Corydoras threads previously. The easiest method of filling a tank with fine sand.

For most part, a 1cm layer is sufficient for a Cory tank. Do not make it too deep or problems may occur later on.

[nicholasliao]

Nice. 1cm noted. I think even with just a thin layer would be sufficient.

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[qngwn]

Mine is 2 to 3cm.. Time to remove some..

[stormhawk]

nicholas,

That is correct. Problem with deeper sand is that if any waste products or uneaten food gets trapped, they will rot in there and produce gases and other stuff. It is advisable to get a small rake to turn over the sand every now and then, so that all the gunk gets thrown up onto the surface.

[shrimppaste]

The problem is, I have bottom bracing at the bottom of the tank which requires me to use more sand to cover the bracing.