Using Pool Filter Sand in an Aquarium: The Good and The Bad 

Here are our favorite aquarium sands: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-W4nULCIHJs8.html If you want to learn more about aquarium substrates check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oflQNgzh_0I.html If you want more information on how to maintain and aquarium with sand check out this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OeFp0iLw4yQ.html Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics

I changed to pool filter sand about 6 years ago best thing I ever did my tank is super clean and the poop goes into my canister filter

I've reading the comments about pool filter sand and I'm coming to the conclusion that people don't understand that there are thousands of different sand manufacturers. Pool filter sand should come pre-washed. On the bag there should be a data sheet with the composition and the manufacturing process. Pool filt sand is made to much higher specs than aquarium substrate because there's a much smaller grain variation. Also, don't generalize it by being too coarse or fine because there are different sizes to chose from.

This video is so helpful. I was thinking about getting pool filter sand but now I am not and I am thankful for that.

Straight to the point practical experience and advice as usual. Thumbs up.

I have used sand from landscaping supplies store and it looks great! Very natural. Turns out it raises PH slightly but good for endlers.I think you're right about build up which I didn't deal with quite quickly enough and now I am dealing with the consequences. Algae.

I bought 150lbs for $9 at home depot and it looks awesome it was Quikrete brand. Very light tan with some black speckles. Was definitely dirty but for $9 no way you can beat it. Use a pre filter and never any problems with sand in the filter.

I use Aqua Quartz pool filter sand in my 75 gal. I find a wavemaker/circulation pump helps with the detritus buildup on the sand. I also found this brand of sand rinsed really easily (only did 10-15 min rinse per 30-40lbs of sand) and it cleared up within 24 hrs.

Another great video. I'm an old salt, and back in my day as a student in marine biology at school, we were taught to keep it simple. Simple, meaning we didn't have any money, so we had to be creative and use what was on hand. After thoroughly understanding the nitrogen cycle and what was needed to achieve it, it was really very simple after that. We just now had to connect the dots. For my freshwater tank, my filtration consisted of an air-driven under gravel filter followed by baked clay gravel used on baseball infields (natural kitty litter) and topped off with plain sand. About a 5 inch substrate. I lived and still do on the Gulf Coast, so I had access to all the sand I needed. After a few months of maturing, I was able to achieve a complete cycle with such a basic and simple setup. Soon after, I added HOB's. To this day, all of my tanks are set up basically the same way, only now utilizing canister filters and a DIY plenum based, under gravel filter with Safe T Sorb (montmorillonite clay) topped with a 50/50 mix of medium and fine Black Diamond blasting sand. In other tanks, I use play sand and mix in some fine Black Diamond to get the colors I want as my top substrate. Two bags each of Safe T Sorb and Black Diamond cost me $35 filling one of my 75 gal tanks to a 5-inch depth. I have never had a system crash but as Jason pointed out, there could be drawbacks with sand. But I believe the same can be said of all substrates. What a drawback is to one, is but a simple drop in the bucket for another. As my father taught me, you only get out what you put in so daily tank maintenance is a must. We can all make it as simple or as complex as we want it to be. My system and substrates of choice, along with strictly following my aquarium equipment and husbandry maintenance schedule, work for me in achieving a full cycle as should yours. We all can use different methods to achieve similar objectives and as long as your system is healthy and thriving, no one system is necessarily ‘better’ or ‘worse’ than the other. Ultimately, use whatever substrate you like but as Jason stated, sand may require more maintenance than others but if it's just a simple drop in the bucket for you, then go with it. Only you can control your domain. Jason, we all learn something with every post. Knowledgeable aquarist masters such as yourself sure keep the learning curve low. Keep on keeping on.

You are right about pool filter sand looks great boy boy can it produce diadem's brown algae I have used black blasting sand it don't seem to produce brown algae as bad is inert the only problem with that black blasting sand is for a little while it will leave an oily residue on top does not hurt the fish or plants but after several water changes it will eventually go away great video and tips on how to still save money

Excellent! When I needed to prep/cycle tanks for large fancy goldfish. So after researching sands and chatting with goldfish keepers, I decided to go with a larger grained pool filter sand. Also, I wanted a warm natural color for the two tanks. The brand I ended up choosing is HTH Pool Filter Sand available at most ACE Hardware stores. I selected it because I learned from other folks that it's heavier, cleaner and does not easily get sucked up while siphoning. For me, all of those things are true. I've been thinking about starting a shell dweller tank (thanks to you!). For that tank I will purchase one of the Carib-Sea sands. Regarding Black Blasting sand. I bought a 50 pound bag, and returned it because I noticed tiny needle-like shards in it. It was the actual sand that was sharp and dangerous looking, not metal shards as has been reported here and there. I wasn't willing to risk it even though many, many people swear by it. I can imagine the difference, though it was the same brand mentioned in numerous comments regarding sharp shards or metal, comes from where it is manufactured in the US and possibly quality control. Great and helpful video. Many thanks! Can you make a video about diatoms, and ow to deal with them in new tanks and long-term in tanks with different kinds of sands? That would be sooooo helpful to many of us.

Great video. Pool filter sand is what I've been using after removing the gravel from my tank. I've had no issues with it but it was dirty and took some time to get it clean before adding it as a substrate

I bought quikrete pool filter sand and cleaned it in a bucket with water and stirring it with my hand. That's when I realized I didn't want to use it. The sand is extremely sharp and was very rough on my hands. I bought some Caribsea Supernaturals and comparing the feel of the two is VERY different. The Caribsea is a much softer feeling sand. I'm setting up a tank for Whiptail catfish that like to burry themselves and don't want sharp sand in the tank with them. Pool filter sand works in pool filters by being sharp, something you don't want with fish.

Have used the medium grit Black Diamond blasting sand in about 14 of my tanks for nearly two years now and have had some issues with vacuuming it up. Ot as. Ad as pool filter sand but long term (after about 12 to 18 months) it starts looking a little unsightly because I can't get a good vacuuming. Long term it's worth the extra money yo go with either an aquarium sand or gravel or fo with a pea gravel if you like a natural look. In some of the guppy breeding tanks I will be going with a couple layers of larger river rocks and see if I can't get a higher survival rate from the spawns. Thanks for sharing you wisdom and experience!

One Pro: Since getting rid of the gravel & switching to PFS I no longer have detritus worms. One con: vacuuming really sucks.

I'm absolutely certain that the detritus issue must suck for an aquarium shop where you have certain fish in certain tanks and you're constantly moving new livestock in as you sell off existing livestock. I don't think the detritus issue exists for hobbyists, however, because any proper aquarium is going to have a mother load of a cleanup crew. Snails, Khuli loaches, corey cats, pleicos and (the best of all) shrimp will take care of all that nonsense for you. You just need a lot of them. IMO the cleanup crew should be the biggest bioload in your tank by a lot. Inverts and bottom dwellers are very interesting too. Underrated!!!

Cheap sand is great, just be patient with the few floating grains they will eventually sink. Increasing water flow will also help with making the extra grain sink.

I was headed to Lowe's for sand until I watched this. I will foot the extra money for aquarium sand. Thanks!

Lighthouse pool filter sand, silica based, I don’t even have to rinse it- never have and never had an issue. It’s amazing, I recommend getting it shipped to you from Namco or if you can find it on Amazon.

Good morning guys.. yes your substrate video is one of the best and was one of the first I checked out. I went with Fluval stratum for the tall tank only because I didn't need that much. The other day, I decided to try Joanna's favorite, the top fin black sand in one of my little tanks... I really Love it. I have never used pool filter sand. I have a 10-gallon I'm getting ready to set up for divided betta tank and I was planning to use the pool filter sand in it. Since using This top fin black sand, I think I changed my mind.. I really like it and it looks so nice. If I was doing a really big tank I think the pool filter sand would be really perfect.. when it's left alone it has so many benefits. And your tank s look amazing. in small tanks I feel like I just make a mess. I also picture the whole bottom of my tank looking green 😂 on top of the white sand.. that's just my silly fears. I've seen so many good tanks with sand. I had Joanna on my mind when this video popped up.. I was watching Jurijs jutjajevs live stream with the cutest little nano canister filter ever... The price and if it's worth it,is the question .. none the less.. it was adorable 😂😂👍.. I hope ya'll have an amazing day!!

I am using pool filter sand in my tank right now and haven't had any of these problems. Maybe it depends on the brand of pool sand you buy. I didn't rinse my sand and it was not cloudy at all. No issues with fish health. I use a gravel vac with no problem, but you have to have the right tubing diameter so the flow is not too fast. Grain size was fine for me and never had issues with it getting into my filter. Still a great video. Thumbs up.

I bought a third 75 gallon aquarium in Nov and put in pool sand instead of gravel which I have in my other two aquariums. So far I prefer the sand to the gravel. I just bought a 125 gallon fron PetSmart that was marked down 75%. Going to use sand in it.

I love the Imaginarium sand from Petco because it's easy to clean. I don't even have to rinse it.

Very informative. Thank you for saving me from making a terrible mistake. I will spend the extra money on better sand.

I’ve had both extremes of good and bad with pool filter sand. Personally the tanks that had mystery snails and Cory’s digging around turned out great.

I converted most of my tanks from gravel to pool filter sand about a yr ago. I buy it from Ace Hardware. Cleaning it is a non-issue. Initial wash/rinse the water is clear. I do not even bother washing the sand prior to installation. After setup, the aquarium water is clear, no cloudiness. As for the detritus buildup, it remains on the sand’s surface which I can easily clean up during a water change.

Best aquarium vids on RU-vid! I was lucky with quikrete pfs from Home Depot much coarse than most which has made cleaning a lot easier.

Always providing great informative videos!

I just bought 4 more bags 2 days ago. Wish I would have seen this first. But I must admit I love it and so do my fish. 😊

I've been using pool filter sand in my 75g African chiclid tank for like 3 plus years now and I've had no issues. I did rinse it as much as I could though before using it. Now I'll watch what are the cons. Would I use it again? Absolutely 😂👍

I put 50 pound of the larger top fin gravel in my planted tank I haven't bought fish yet so I was thinking of putting aquarium sand over it but people on here say it will just work it's way to the bottom. Is that true ? I was just thinking about getting some Corey's and I heard it would be better for them to shift sifft through. I guess if that doesn't work I can just move the gravel to the back an sides an put the sand in the front half. I would appreciate any advice. I subscribe to you and love your videos.

I live your videos! They are always so informative and always cover all the key points!

Very interesting your video. Beautiful aquariums. I wish you all the best my friend.

I don’t know why l, but you look REALLY happy today!

I wonder if the amount in the tank makes a difference. 3 inches will be alot harder to keep clean than just one inch. And if you have burrowing fish like kuli loaches, they could really move the one inch deep sand around. I heard some people stir the substrate up with a chop stick and have the vac above it to help separate poo from sand.

I add a 10# bag of Carib Sea Aragonite Aquarium Sand to each 50# bag of Quikrete Pool Filter Sand for my 75 gallon mbuna tank - they love it. No problems here, but much like you suggested, I have pre-filters on my canister filter intakes. To be safe I might want to consider investing in a couple back-up impellers. Thanks for the review.

I use pool filter sand in my 55-gallon and I love it. No issues and stays very clean, although I have two geophagus tapajos that sift through it, which is why I got it.

Caribsea was the worst I ever used. It got a slimy gel to it after a while for me. I use hth Pool Filter Sand and its really working out great. its very clean when you buy it and seems to clean easy.

I use pfs in my 120 African cichlid tank. Give it a quick vacuum with the Python at water changes. Im happy with It. It looks good and you cant beat the price

Thank you for the tips! I like the substrate you are using on the tank showing on your back right hand side. What is it?

Pool filter sand is manufactured. Play sand is not if it's naturally collected witch it usually is. Manufactured sand has sharp edges. Naturally collected sand has been rounded.

Thank you. You have saved me so much money.

I've been using pool filter sand since I got back into the hobby and haven't had too many problems. I have noticed some of the things you stated about detritus and algae beneath the substrate level. The biggest thing I find that would make me want to switch to an aquarium specialized sand is color choice. Where I'm at all the pool filter sand I've found has been the very light colored tan color. This looks fine, but as we know substrate can affect the color of your fish. I've thought about switching to the Carib-sea brands as I use their Eco-complete for my planted tanks.

You need 3 inches or more of it and then you don’t syphon it. Anerobic bacteria grow underneath it and take care of the nitrates. Shouldn’t be much sand in water column ever. Learned this from Father Fish videos. You can always top the pool filter sand with another color sand if you like.

I use pool filer sand as the base layer and to get height on my substrate then put aquarium gravel or eco complete on top.

I just purchased a 150 gallons and i want to set it up with african cichlid fishes but honestly now i dont know what kind of sand to use because all kinds have bad issues, Prime Time Aquatics can you give me the best advise?

Have no problem with sand getting into impeller. Just don't put intake too close to the bottom.

Great video. This is what I tell all my customers. Tyvm

Jason that beard you have needs it own channel 💯

I got some great pool filter sand from Lowe's at a great price. I test cleaned some of it and found I didn't need to.

I use CEMEX sand from home depot! Been using it for about 3 years on most of my tanks. And although i do see the grains are small I don’t usually find it hard to syphon detritus and remains clean overall. Doesn’t raise PH or any of that sort either, Besides the look of it the price is really damn good $5 for a 50lbs bag

Very informative as usual!!

A good video. A classic overtone of its based on what you get where you are. 👍

All 10 of my tanks have carrib sea sand from local fish store. It's great never had any problems with it. It don't get sucked up when gravel vacuuming plants are growing great an the price is not bad at all. Don't fix what isn't broke.

I found the opposite- the sand I bought from the pet store was so fine and almost claylike, yet it was super expensive. Then I bought a bag of pool sand (20lbs for $12) and it was perfect- more coarse and didn’t get sucked up in the vacuum as easily. I guess it does depend on the quality of pool filter sand. I bought mine from Canadian Tire.

Glad I watched this before purchasing pool filter sand.

Do you like it for your multies or would you swap it out for them too, given the chance? Would you use black sand for them? Usually I like dark substrate for fish, but multies seem like they might be an exception.

I am dealing with this now as well, I used hth brand PFS in a walstad tank which is getting algae non stop compared to my other tanks. I also used it in a section of a another tank and got constant diatoms for the first several weeks even though I only used a very tiny amount, both rinsed many many times. I have over half a bag left and was going to be cheap and use it in a 20 high I'm getting set up but I think I'm going to vac it all out and pick something else like flourite black, eco complete, or caribsea peace river instead.

I plan on using it. 8$ at home depot for 50 pounds vs 30$ for a 20 pound bag at petco for live sand

I need some sand for my crayfish, I got some that was very muggy and hazy and couldn't clean and I'm a noob. What's a good sand I can get that's easy to clean and looks clear?

Very informative video as usual! I use caribsea and petsmart brand black sand, looks great and easier to clean.

Hiii what do u think about internal filters i asked the same question to another hobbyist he didn't give me a satisfying answer so can u do a good and a bad about a internal filter like the power head type would be very helpful

Thanks for the info Jason

I have found that Caribsea has many different grain sizes in the different colors. Which is the best grain size that you recommend for the benefits you mention for maintenance and appearance? I don't want the white, but anything in the tan to red colors is nice. I see grain sizes between .25 to 2mm ranges. Assume best might be somewhere around the 1-2mm grain size?

Nice info i used send to what about next Topic video over had filter

Going to try pool filter sand and caribsea sand together in a 75 gallon. Not sure how much it will take. Starting my first cichlid tank and wanting to get a colony of pseudotropheus saulosi to breed. Can you recommend somewhere to get that fish? Thank you

I like the Imaginarium brand black sand from Petco. It looks like the day I put it in the tank. Also CaribSea black & white cichlid sand in my 90 still looks like new. I never used pool filter sand in my 23 years of fish keeping because I'm not a cheapskate lol, sorry couldn't resist!

Hi Jason , Love the channel, I'm From south africa and i think that the pool filter sand granules from the brand that i'm using is quite large almost to a point where you could call it and fine gravel, to be honest i just recently been been toying with the idea of a deep sand bed tank so thats the reason i chose to get the pool filter sand in the first place but luckily it was'nt too fine like you described in the video, i will however be monitoring it and i will let you know how its going but for now i quite like the colour and texture and it hasnt given me any issues as yet but we will wait and see, thanks again for the awesome content, take care.

The fine sand gets into the magnetic part of the hang on back filters and it will seize the pump. I had that problem with my 10 gallon tank big time.

I use a lot of Pool filter sand in combination with Melanoides maculata. They keep the sand clean

I have pfs in my amazon puffer, figure 8 puffer and ranchu goldfish tanks which all are planted except the goldfish because they ate my plants and I love it. It looks beautiful and the plants grow well in it and I don't fertilize. Got mine at hm depot for a lil over $8.

I've been using pool filter sand in my Bichir tank , for years and I use a gravel vac no sweat, none of the issues you are talking about and I don't use hang on the back filters ever , I use sponge filters and benefital bacteria, works perfectly fine

Going to try pool sand in 125 with 40 long sump my question 3 50lb bags of pool sand should I add a bag of chiclid sand and a bag of crushed coral would that be beneficial

Thank you for the video! I'm interested in the microbiology of fishes, I saw your video on Ich where you recommended Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, but it is a little more than I can justify spending to my SO. Is there an online resource or cheaper book you can recommend to help me identify what I am looking at under the microscope?

For about a year now I've used the hth brand pf sand in my 40b multifasciatus tank and its been great for me.....so far. They move it around a bit so its been no problem yet. Most of my tanks I i use 2/12 cemex sand from my lfs at 70 cents a lb. I think it looks fantastic and looks better and more natural than pf sand. Had to try the pf sand once though.

I like hth pool sand, yes it is white but when I want to be fancy i mix it with the brown pool sand from HD looks great. HTH sand is the cleanest sand that have brought. For try to add a air stone it will with agitation of the sand, takes 5mins.

I use filter sand in some of my apisto tanks with no problem and they love it. But as you say they move the sand. It's cheap and it looks good on the tanks

I bought some Walmart pool sand. Wondering if I can plant stuff in it such as dwarf grass or moss, stuff like that.

I have pool filter sand and it is great for me the only thing I do not like is the sand after a while will turn darker and look dirty. I have had this in my 20 gallon tank for over 2 years now

The $8 one from Menards are too fine, try Aqua Qartz or even better the HTH from Ace but price went up from $14 to $20.

SO, in regards to detritus, and the filters- I run aquarium co op sponge filters- zero issue. Detritus- I have to do water changes once every four months. Not sure where you’re going wrong… I don’t mean offense either. I run goldfish, guppies, mollies, swordtails, plecos, bristlenoses, danios and even a salt water with zero issues at all and it’s improved the quality of my aquariums ten fold…

Would the pool filter sand be good for gold fish? With a aqua clear filter with sponge on end? Thanks

I want to get a 25Kg bag that's slightly brown looking to do a 120 gallon south American aquarium with a bunch of tree branches/trunk and leaves with slightly brownish water

Can you do a video on how to repair aquarium leaks?

If you want a finer sand, a simple hack is sifting it through a relatviely small-mesh fish net. Time consuming - yes, but end product is pretty impressive.

I just got some gnarly natural illinois river sand from a forest peserve looks good but feels funky when handling or breathing in dust

Do you have that shirt in Camo?? I have tried fine grain substrate and have pulling more of it out during cleaning being densely packed I see that it takes longer for rooted plant to take hold in it.

Can I use pool filter sand that has already been used in the pool filter in my aquarium. If yes, how do I clean the pool filter sand to remove all the pool chemicals which would kill the fish

I was actually looking for sand yesterday. I'm setting up a 50 gallon planted tank and am looking for a cheap but natural 'golden' coloured sand.

Woo thanks for the awesome info :) love this channel

What if you use a undergravel filter system will this give same results or improve?

I'm setting up a 150 gallon for my Fahaka Puffer. I have read pool sand is fine to use as a substrate gravel. I went and bought three 40 Lb bags of it and rinsed it in buckets and added it to the aquarium. However now I'm having second thoughts. It is basically recycled glass and contains Silicone Dioxide. Everything I read mostly said the Silicone Dioxide is no problem but what I'm worried about is the particles scratching the Puffer especially if he digs into the sand. It didn't hurt or cut my hands when I was digging into the buckets with my hands. Has anyone used this in their Puffer tank? Is most pool filter sand today made this way? Can I use this in my tank, or should I take it all back out?

Cemex Lapis Lustre sand has a nice color. About $6 for a 50 lb bag.

If I use children’s play sand and washed it out nicely can I use it

Im planning to mount a 40 breeder with pool sand and some rocks for african cichlids. Does a penguin 350 filter can be better with my future setup or a marineland 200 would be ok?

I use river sand from my local landscaping place in every one of my tanks, my mbuna love it.

Don't know the general opinion but Black Diamond Blasting Sand is $8/50lbs as well. Love the look of it. And as long as you get the medium coarseness, it won't get sucked up in a vacuum.

That Caribsea Naturals Brown Sand is exactly what I want, has anyone tried it in a dirted tank? I tried pool filter sand capped over dirt and couldnt grow much, not even val

I love your videos❤️❤️❤️

Is this pool filter sand good for stjngray??? Freshwater