Does anyone know where i can find ultra fine gravel or large coarse sand?

239 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by CRS Fan, 14 d ago

Chronick

Discussion Starter · 15 d ago

Hey BCA!

I just bought a 220 Gallon aquarium and I'm looking to add substrate to the tank. I've been to nearly every pet store and several landscape supply locations but i can't seem to find anything satisfactory. Many of the aquarium stores that I've visited all tell me that they used to be able to get in a much larger selection of substrate but they just aren't available anymore. I have a feeling that because of diminishing demand and post covid era production, many suppliers just don't offer the product anymore.

Ideally I'm looking for a super fine gravel or a really large grain coarse sand so that I can easily gravel vacuum the substrate in such a large tank. Id really would like to use a dark substrate to bring out the colors of my fish. I'm comfortable using several large grains of sand / gravel and mixing them as long as the look is natural. I understand it may be hard to find substrate in the volume im looking for so i may have to compromise with multiple sources

Does anyone have any recommendations on where i might be able to source a substrate like i've described? Can anyone recommend any landscape supply stores with specialty or decorative gravel / sand?

Thank you everyone for your time and advice!

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

Reckon

· #2 · 15 d ago

I'm assuming that you are likely looking for a large amount of substrate at bulk pricing; unfortunately, I don't know a place. However, I've been really impressed by WIO's substrates. These are meant more for aquascapers and can be pricey. There are several options and I get mine here: Hardscape & Layout Material

Save

Puffersrule

· #3 · 15 d ago

My canadian tire pool filter sand is fabulously natural once the tank gets dirty. Like I'm literally scuba diving in a lake. It's also super cheap. But it's very light in colour. I have heard of blasting sand being used when people want black. the last place you want to be when you need volume is an aquarium store, you need a landscaping place or a builder's yard.

Save

Chronick

Discussion Starter · #4 · 15 d ago

Reckon said:
I'm assuming that you are likely looking for a large amount of substrate at bulk pricing; unfortunately, I don't know a place. However, I've been really impressed by WIO's substrates. These are meant more for aquascapers and can be pricey. There are several options and I get mine here: Hardscape & Layout Material

I actually visited them immediately after purchasing the tank. Their showroom is incredible. Unfortunately it'll cost me an arm and leg to fill a tank with any of their substrate. I still may fall back to this option if i really can't find anything but i wanted to test my options first.
Thanks Reckon!

Edit: also upon looking at the link and checking out all their products, rocket sand would have been almost perfect for what i'm looking for but even that's sold out

ROCKET SAND

Rocket Sand By WIOShadowy sand with a blend of pale to dark grey grain mix like a truly natural biotope riverbed. * Natural silica sand * Size mix from 0,1mm to 4mm * Does not affect water hardnessAvailable in 2kg & 5kg bags Please, follow our recommendations to enjoy our sands: All our sands...

radaquatics.com

Puffersrule said:
My canadian tire pool filter sand is fabulously natural once the tank gets dirty. Like I'm literally scuba diving in a lake. It's also super cheap. But it's very light in colour. I have heard of blasting sand being used when people want black. the last place you want to be when you need volume is an aquarium store, you need a landscaping place or a builder's yard.

I looked into both of these options actually but i still think it's a little too fine. My concern is that my predatory fish will probably dig and kick up the sand into my filter. I've also heard of the sand compacting over time which IMO is an indicator that it isn't the best for gravel vacuuming. I remember back in the day 3M colorquartz sand was very popular and had great results. I looked for this specifically but it's been discontinued since 2009(?).

Thanks for all the recommendations guys!

See less See more

Save

DBam

· #5 · 14 d ago

Yeah the 3M sand became a hot item just over 10 years ago after all the leftover stock sold out. Would Tahitian Moon Sand work for you? I'm not sure how available it is anymore but it's the right size and colour for what you want.

Save

Reactions: 1

Chronick

Discussion Starter · #6 · 14 d ago

DBam said:
Yeah the 3M sand became a hot item just over 10 years ago after all the leftover stock sold out. Would Tahitian Moon Sand work for you? I'm not sure how available it is anymore but it's the right size and colour for what you want.

I have a mixture of tahitian moon sand, black flourite and fine gravel (from fish addicts) that i have mixed in 5 different tanks (ranging from 40g to 120g). Honestly it looks great and works decent with plants but its just still too fine. I have to vacuum my tanks slowly to allow time for the sand to settle. It's one of the reasons why this time around, id like to find something of a consistently larger grade.

3M would have been the only exception to running any substrate this small. I very much like the uniformity and ceramic coating that makes it soft and smooth. Really quite a shame that it was discontinued

Save

CRS Fan

· #7 · 14 d ago (Edited)

Franck used to have this PRICE DROP - Caribsea Super Natural Premium sand, Sunset...

I would PM him.

Or you can go across the border and pick up Black Diamond Blasting Sand (it is coal slag) from Tractor Supply across the borderhttps://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/black-diamond-medium-blasting-abrasives?cm_vc=-10005 I use the 30 grit in my high tech tank. It is cheap and easy to use.

Best regards,

Stuart

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Save

1 - 7 of 7 Posts

Top Contributors this Month