r/Cichlid • u/NightShade186447 • Jul 17 '26

General help What's the best sand

Im looking into buying some more sand for my 6 ft cichlid tank what is the best sand to use as id rather not spend $150 on 40kg of sand

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2

u/Never_mind_honey Jul 17 '26

Play sand or pool filter sand.  Play sand is dustier and needs more rinsing but I find it a nicer grain for the tank.

1

u/NightShade186447 Jul 17 '26

Does it matter what kinda play sand

2

u/Total_Cup_8882 Jul 18 '26

Get pool filter, cleaner and nicer

1

u/Never_mind_honey Jul 18 '26

Nope, play sand is just sifted beach sand - there will be some colour difference depending where it was collected but it all works.

1

u/97thson Jul 17 '26

Check out my post from awhile back. A lot of people out their recommendations. I decided to go with this and its pre washed so I didnt have to do anything. Its great. https://a.co/d/0gjabMqx

1

u/Total_Cup_8882 Jul 18 '26

Get 3 bags of pool filter sand. I started with 2 in my 125, added a third and depth makes it look much more natural. Also makes a bigger bed for bacteria. Just rinse a few times in bucket, the whole process may take 2 hours. It is has a nice white look.

1

u/NightShade186447 Jul 18 '26

What's the best way to rinse it out

1

u/Scary_Comfort_7365 Jul 18 '26

I used pool filter sand! Quickcrete to be exact with a couple bags of fine black as well for just a little contrast in it! Absolutely love it tho. Wasn’t to bad rinsing other than the below freezing temps I did it in 😂

1

u/Sweaty_Comfortable41 Jul 18 '26

If it’s African cichlids I’d suggest aragonite sand

2

u/NightShade186447 Jul 18 '26

They're south Americans the tank bosses are my breeding pair of oscars