I am considering using pool filter sand for my new 29 gal tank which I still haven't set up, lol. Things come up, don't have the time etc etc.

Anyways I was at a pet store today and came across this brand below. The info below is from the GEOsystem website. When I looked at in store, very fine gravel, almost sand like. Anyways it appeared to be very fine and the price not bad.

I would like to know if this substrate will be safe for neons, cardinals, cory's and otto's? I'm not sure because on the website lists suitable for marine, brackish etc.

I don't recall seeing anything on the packaging about marine, brackish etc.


Information from website.

GEOsystem Pacific Gravel , from the ocean, provides a variety of natural color tones that will enhance most aquarium environments. Note: GEOsystem Pacific Gravel will buffer pH. It is suitable for Marine, brackish water and African Chichlid aquariums.

Suitable for marine means that it will drive the pH through the roof. For neons and cardinals that like their pH at or a little below 7.0, that stuff would be a disaster. For Africans it would probably work just fine.

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Fishless cycling

Thanks!

I will definitely not buy this pacific sand. The clerk in the pet store didn't seem too interested and said yeah it's fine. Glad I didn't buy it.

I plan on looking at some other products but I may go with the pool filter sand. I am guessing all pool filter sand is the same thing or anything specific I need to look for when purchasing?

A 5 pound bag of aquarium sand in pet stores costs around $10.00 Canadian.