Can You Use Play Sand in a Fish Tank?

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If you are new to fishkeeping, you must understand that choosing the kind of sand to use in your tank is as important as choosing the tank itself.

There are many kinds of substrates you can use, but we will focus on one kind: play sand.

Can you use play sand in a fish tank? Why or why not? 

Can You Use Play Sand in a Fish Tank?

Being a new fishkeeper, you must have asked yourself this question. The direct answer is yes; using play sand in an aquarium is perfectly fine.

Some people actually prefer using it because it adds life and color to their aquariums.

Things To Remember When Using Play Sand

One thing to know before using play sand for your aquarium is its composition.

Stay away from sand tagged as “silica-free” or “dust-free.” These labels will give you a hint of what the play sand is made of.

Play sand with a “silica-free” label will most likely have calcium carbonate, a component detrimental to freshwater tanks.

On the other hand, play sand with a “dust-free” label has harmful chemicals and should never be used in an aquarium.

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How To Prepare Play Sand for Aquarium Use?

Play sand should be rigorously cleaned before you use it in your aquarium.

Even if it is freshly purchased and fully sealed, you still need to clean it thoroughly.

Below are the steps on how to prepare play sand for your aquarium:

Step 1: Measure How Much Play Sand You Need

Generally, an aquarium requires at least three inches of substrate.

If you plan to add deep-rooted plants to your tank, we recommend putting more than three inches of play sand.

Use your entire tank to measure the amount of play sand you need, and then transfer it to a bucket.

Step 2: Remove Debris Manually

Once the play sand is in the bucket, examine it and remove any debris you find. You can use a strainer to do this step more efficiently.

Step 3: Slowly Add Water

After removing all debris, you can now pour water into the bucket.

Use a spoon or a wooden stick to continuously stir the sand while slowly adding the water.

Ensure that the water is poured all the way into the bottom part of the bucket. You can use tap water for this.

Step 4: Let the Sand Settle

After adding water and stirring the play sand, wait for it to settle, and then pour the dirty water with debris out of the bucket.

Once you add water and stir, you will find more dirt and debris. Repeat this step a few more times until the water looks clear.

Step 5: Kill Off Remaining Harmful Bacteria

You can kill off any remaining pollutants and harmful bacteria using heat.

While still wet, place the play sand on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do this in batches to ensure the sand is free from harmful organisms that can possibly affect the health of your fish.

Step 6: Return the Play Sand To Your Aquarium

Let the sand cool off and add it back into your aquarium.

Do not add the sand all in one go. Instead, scoop it little by little to ensure you spread it evenly across the base of the tank.

Once you are satisfied with the amount of sand and its depth, you can add aquarium water to your fish tank.

To do this, slowly pour the water at the corner or the sides of your tank to prevent dislodging the play sand.

Expect your tank to appear cloudy for days after adding water to your aquarium.

Wait for a few days before turning the filter on to avoid getting any sand particles into the filtration system.

learn if can you use play sand in a fish tank

Why Use Play Sand?

It’s not enough to answer the question, “Can you use play sand in a fish tank?” You should also know why it’s preferred by many.

There are a lot of advantages you can enjoy when you use play sand in your aquarium.

Firstly, it is a lot less expensive compared to other substrates. It also has a natural feel to it, both for you and your fish.

Another notable advantage is that it is made of closely packed, tiny grains of sand.

Unlike pebbles or gravel, play sand prevents waste from your fish or food particles from settling in the gaps.

This means that the sand is less likely to be polluted, making it easier to maintain at the same time.

Play sand is also essential in keeping your live plants in place. Other substrates do not have a strong hold on the plant, while play sand will allow plants to take root.

It is perfect if you plan to own a burrowing fish or other aquatic animals that like to burrow in the sand, such as eels and loaches.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Play Sand

No sand or substrate is perfect, and so like other options, play sand has its disadvantages.

Firstly, water cannot easily flow through play sand because its grains are packed together.

This results in the formation of anaerobic pockets, which is bad for your aquatic life.

That’s because these pockets can house harmful chemicals and can cause different kinds of illnesses.

Another disadvantage is that play sand can mess up your filtration system.

Its grains are exceptionally small and are prone to get sucked by your tank’s filters, causing permanent damage.

These small grains can also penetrate your fish’s gills.

Other Aquarium Substrate Options

There are alternatives to play sand if you’re leaning away from using it in your aquarium.

You have pool filter, blasting, black quartz, and specialty sand. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For instance, pool filter sand has fairly large grains, making them safer for your fish’s health and the aquarium’s filters.

You can also use black quartz sand if you’re aiming for a black-themed aquarium. Then, there is specialty sand, which is safer than play sand but is much more expensive.

It’s All About the Preparation

Overall, play sand is a satisfactory option for your aquarium. It is low in dust, clean, and budget-friendly.

As long as you prepare it properly before putting it in your tank, you will have a satisfying experience using it.

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