pool fliter vs play sand

[dino]

question regarding sand there are a few posting on types of sand and both have been used but what is the main difference? My tanks have pool filter sand but im setting up a new tank and was thinking of using play sand assuming its cheaper any advice?

[gklaw]

If you don't mind spending the time for rinsing the fines of the play sand.

Pool filter sand does not have much fine in it. $16 for 45 lbs seems quite reasonable.

[Jaguar]

Pool filter sand is straight silica sand (quartz) while playsand is just pretty much beach sand.

The PFS has a lot larger granules and is a lot lighter, almost white in color, so it may look unappealing to some. It is much easier to work with and clean though.

The play sand has really fine granules so it can compact, a reasonable depth and some Malaysian trumpets and it should work out. Looks more natural.

[hi-revs]

Play sand is a lot softer than pool filter sand.
BUT, washing the play sand thoroughly is a b!tch!

Literally took me two days to get a bag clean!

[discuspaul]

IME there are several different types of play sand - most seemingly containing a lot of grit, dust and fine granulation, making it very difficult/time-consuming to rinse clean.
Most of these sands, while somewhat less expensive than PFS, are hard to keep clean and easily siphoned up with every wc vac no matter how careful one may be.
Also, while many people feel it looks more natural, to me it just looks dirtier.

White silica PFS on the other hand, is denser, easy to keep clean, looks fresh, makes fish and plant colors really pop, and doesn't get siphoned with vacuuming. Also doesn't compact to the degree that play sand does, and is less susceptible to the formation of anaerobic gas pockets.
That's my take - having used both in several tanks over the years.

[dino]

ok thanks i have found a local place that sells pfs at a resonable price and since thats what worked in my other tanks im going to stick with it. Thanks for the tips

[Jessia]

Mind sharing where you found it? I have no idea where in Chilliwack to look for pfs. I'm gonna be setting up a new tank soon and I don't want to spend another couple hours rinsing play sand. Lol

[gklaw]

Langley Bywater sell lots of them. They will know exactly what you are looking for.

[zhasan]

Just picked up two bags of PFS from Langley bywater today!! 13.95 + tax.