Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm setting up a new 40 gallon tank and can't decide on sand. I've heard some types can mess with water parameters. Any recommendations for something stable and easy to clean?

Pool filter sand is a solid choice. It's cheap, doesn't compact too much, and won't mess with your pH. Just rinse it well before adding it to the tank.

steve0 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:46 pm Pool filter sand is a solid choice. It's cheap, doesn't compact too much, and won't mess with your pH. Just rinse it well before adding it to the tank.

Yep, pool filter sand is great. I've used it in my 55 gallon for years with no issues. It's also fine enough for bottom dwellers like Corydoras.

If you want something fancier, CaribSea Super Naturals is a good option. It's a bit pricier but comes in different colors and sizes. Just make sure you get the inert kind if you're worried about pH swings.

I prefer black sand for contrast. It makes the fish and plants pop. I've used Stoney River black sand and it's been stable in my tank.

lionstar wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 7:36 pm I prefer black sand for contrast. It makes the fish and plants pop. I've used Stoney River black sand and it's been stable in my tank.

Black sand does look sharp, but it can show debris more easily. If you go that route, be ready to vacuum it often.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I think I'll try the pool filter sand first since it's budget-friendly and seems easy to maintain.

Good call. Just remember to rinse it until the water runs clear. It'll save you a ton of cloudiness issues later.

And if you ever decide to switch, it's easy to remove since it's not super fine. I've swapped substrates before and pool filter sand was the least hassle.

One more tip, if you're gonna have plants, consider mixing in some root tabs. Sand doesn't have much nutrients on its own.