This sand is no longer available, but here is an Amazon affiliate link to the sand we currently use and like! amzn.to/2rU57K1 Here is a more comprehensive video on substrate that includes gravel and specialty substrates as well. ua-cam.com/video/oflQNgzh_0I/v-deo.html If you liked the multis in the first tank you can see more here: ua-cam.com/video/LymOSgIcDss/v-deo.html If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! ua-cam.com/channels/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA.htmljoin Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
I went with Nat Geo after watching one of your videos. Although much more expensive than pool filter sand, I sleep much easier knowing it won’t go down my sink drain when cleaning my tank. Thanks for the videos!
I already use nat geo sand and love it. It's easy to clean and plants grow well in it. I was about to buy pool filter sand but I may stick with what I know after watching this.
Pool filter sand isn't bad if you have HOB or canister filers removing all the solutes, but with sponge filters that's a little harder to do. You can't go wrong with your set-up. : -)
Pool filter sand is awesome I just wish it were darker it would be perfect. I always check multiple Ace hardwares and buy 2-4 bags of hth pool sand when they have it our local one I get a lot and they probably think I'm nuts. Black diamond blasting sand is fantastic too lately the BDBS bags have been exactly like soft sand instead of rough shapes with long rods in it. I get those big cheap black totes with yellow lids at home Depot and store the sand in those under my cinder block Aquarium racks. The quickrete medium sand 100lb bags at home Depot are great too if you like white sand it's a soft finer sand my plants seem to do the best in that one especially crypts and swords for some reason.
You can’t get Nat Geo any more but it was made by Estes and the same stuff is sold as Stoney River, Ultra Reef and Imagitarium. In the US, doesn’t seem to be available in Europe.
Thanks for the info. I just went looking for the Nat Geo and couldn't find it. Been using Diamond blasting sand but want.to change to make the vacuuming easier. Off to get the Stony River tomorrow
Good info. Just starting a multi tank, so very timely info for me. I was thinking pool sand, but after watching your video, I will probably look at the Nat Geo sand. Thanks!
Pool filter sand and Malaysian Trumpet snails for me, the snails burrow into the sand and pull down detritus to the plant roots, and their burrowing keeps the sand from packing down and going anaerobic
Pool filter sand has a mix of coarser particles and super fine particles. I get a fine mesh sieve from the dollar store and separate the coarse grains. I use the coarse grains for the substrate and the fine grains for fluidized sand filter. Works great.
I have aquarium sand mixed with live aragonite in my 55g brackish tank. Now I have what appears to be a complete nitrogen cycle, with nitrates registering at zerp, throughout the entire cycle and into the present. I have yet to see nitrates above my baseline of 5ppm or even less.
hello, looking for a black sand but seems CaribSea isn't available any more, and neither is Nat Geo.. Can you recommend one that can be gravel vacuumed? I have seen the CaribSea Cichlid mix, but won't have those fish so wasn't sure if that will mess up PH stuff. Will have goldfish for sure and maybe other types too.
when it comes to hobby, money isnt an issue, & thanx for the info of this, Nat Geo sand i never heard of, which is Now my #1 on the list...(always take advise from a man with a beard %100)
I use Mystic White II Swimming Pool Filter Sand, its literally pure white. You need strong wave makers to create a circular current and nothing will ever settle on the bottom.
I use PFS in my Kribensis tanks, they pick through it so much it really never looks very dirty, but this also has decent flow, which pushes much of the detritus off the substrate and gets it to the intake sponge on my AC70 (40B tank size). Great comparison and info Jason!
It has been pretty fun, lots of crypts and pygmy chain sword, a few zebra danio and scissor tail rasboras as dithers, then a small army of panda garra and a horde of juve/young adult Pelvicachromis Taeniatus Bipindis. I have some shots of it in a couple videos on my channel, but I get envious of your amazing 33L rack.
I had been using pfs and really liked the look of it. I have lots of flow in the tank so never really had to vacuum. My problem was my ph was lower than I like at 7.2 so have recently switched to arragonite and am having decent results so far. I have posted a video of the change over. The one negative about it is it clouds the water up pretty easy. Thanks for you videos!
What about just going down to the beach and getting sand? *note* I am total newbe looking at getting 1st tank, so yes, I am clueless - about everything aquarium related. Currently considering 30x18x18 inch tank size. Why that size? It fits the space I want to put it.
That Nat Geo sand is amazing...comes 100% clean right out of the bag! Worth every penny...I paid a lot (needed 150lbs) but am glad I went with it over pool filter or play sand which requires hours of cleaning before you can put it in the tank.
Matt Ramsland Hey Matt, Carib Sea makes a number of substrate options for you. Reputable and clean. Sands come in different whites, black and even exotic pink if you’re feeling it. A friend has pick with shells all over the place for fish that dwell in such habitats. Good luck fellow fish keeper.
Can I cap PFS with seachem fluorite and eliminate any of the problems you described?? I wanna use PFS to raise grade in the back of the tank to slope it towards the front.. kinda like a iwagumi aquascape. I have a 40gallon breeder with 4 bags of flourite. Which will give me a solid 2inches threw out the tank per substrate calculator.
Jason, great video, I have searched and cannot find anyone who carries the Nat Geo sand, I did see the link below, first is it the case you cannot buy that sand any longer and the link is to Caribsea sand, had in a tank and I had a terrible time with brown algae on it?
Prime Time Aquatics oh ya I love seeing that tank I could watch it on a loop seeing your multis being confident not darting in and out of shells and thriving as a colony can't help but make me smile there was a few even near the surface this time it's just great :)
Where did you get your pool filter sand? The one I get is from Leslie's Pools and it's great. It is the same exact color and weight and the Caribsea sunset gold. I did have to clean it more, but not substantially more. I don't like sand from the hardwhere store at all. I did initially use the Caribsea moon light and it costed me major money to put in my 180 both 220's and 350 gallon tanks. On one of the 220's I used sunset gold. I then discovered that the pool filter sand from Leslie's Pool supplies was just the same. Was sold ever sense. I dont think I'm going to spend that much money again on the name brands.
I definitely agree that hob and canister filters help a lot. I go with a circulation pump in the tank and an hob with filter floss so it picks up most of the junk at the bottom. I just don't like store bought stuff as its normally not cheap and its not real most of the time which I don't like
I use Nat Geo sand in my turtle tank it's great...the sand grains are just big enough to not get sucked up my my gravel vac yet small enough where my turtles can still digest it with no problems I use the carib cichlids sand for my fish tank it is great as well...grains are smaller than the nat Geo but I'm still able to gravel vac it as well
I have used black diamond sand with success. My only issue is some of the substrate would look like rust spots on the glass but when I took the tank down it didn't leave a mark.
I have it in a 40b community tank and a 20l cherry shrimp tank...... its not my favorite. It has some type of other brown material i it so it always look dirty IMO. But again i didnt know a whole lot befor i jumped to useing it i think it would be great for a buisy cichlid tank.
Good question - I'd probably buy at least 175lbs or so - you can always take a 25lb bag back, but it really stinks if you have to go back and get another one in the middle of the setup. : -)
Prime Time Aquatics thanks for the reply. I did find a calculator online that verified your recommendation. Great channel and I look forward to my completion of my aquarium wall unit to start enjoying raising fish once again!! :)
Hello, so apparently Nat Geo is no longer available. Is there something you recommend that is comparable? I have a 75 gallon with cichlids and a red ear slider. I am having high ammonia problems and have removed the rock substrate I was using. Thank you.
I found the cheap play sand or pool filter sand blew out the impellers in my canister filters in pretty short order because of the fine abrasive particles. I saved a lot of money in the long run by going to National Geographic.
Hi Jason.. another of ur informative videos is here.. superb comparisons made.. I wanted ur suggestions on fertilizers... What's ur take among root tabs and liquid fertilizers.. which ones ur choice.. and why... I have a newly planted setup of my 75 gallon which is barely 6 days old.. using tropica and Ada substrates
I use them both. Depends on the plants. You may not need as many root tabs with the ADA initially. Liquid ferts are good for floating plants and stem plants
Yep. I know that you are into Tanganyikan Cichlids. If you have not kept or seen this species before, I encourage you to check it out. Benthachromis tricoti...the males are absolutely stunning. A bucket list Tanganikyan! :)
Both will work the same. The difference comes on tank maintenance day. I say spend the extra money and get the Nat Geo. With pool filter sand, I was sucking up too much sand when vacuuming and it would go down the drain.
Do you recommend a specific brand that sells the best nat geo sand? I want to do a community but with black nat geo sand and cant find a good brand with actual black sand?
I have CaribSea Tahitian Moon in a couple tanks. I'm curious to know how National Geographic sand compares to CaribSea Tahitian Moon sand. Anyone know? National Geographic sand is cheaper and you get 5 pounds more for $4 less, so that's a bonus.
Brad Clarke I think the Tahitian Moon Sand is slightly finer than the N. Geo. It also has some more sparkle to it. If you want straight black go with the N. Geo
Iv used pfs befor i dont like how each bag even if its the same brand is a little bit different. The only pfs i want to try is the stuff bob steenfott uses but i cannot seem to find it....
What if you mixed them? Put the better quality on top, sure over time they mix but doesn’t the lighter go to the bottom? I had that happen trying to be “smart” with a 29 gallon bought substrate for growing plants the tank was used and came with some ugly gravel so I thought I’d put it under it to help fill it out...well we know how that went, time went on and ugly gravel started showing though, I picked it out more came through. Finally when the tank got an overhaul 2 years later I picked every ugly gravel piece out it. It again has gravel in it with the plant substrate but it’s natural so it actually enhances the look to make it look more natural and not blah one solid color. I want to add sand to my new 55g and I was gonna go with the pool sand, think I still am this had persuaded me. BUT I think if someone has tried using both maybe pool sand on the bottom then more expensive sand on the top to give it a decent bed for a planted aquarium what the results are. 🤔 if someone had tried this..... be cost effective if works. Love to know this will be my first time working with sand
I haven’t used either types of sand spoken about in this video. But I am currently using paving base sand that can be bought at any home improvement store. It will need to be rinsed out throughly which my take a while. It does well with a gravel vacuum. I will get sucked up but it will generally fall back down. It adds another level of biological filtration as well. As with any sand it should get disturbed once in a while to keep gas pockets from forming. It gives my aquariums a natural look especially since I mix it with pea gravel to make my tanks look like a stream or river bottom.
Wish I had watched this video about a week earlier! Just switched from a bare bottom fancy goldfish tank to pool filter sand. It's attractive when it's clean, but it's so cloudy and hard to clean! My store bought sand in my betta tank is way easier to vacuum. Didn't realize that until I watched this video though. That said, I paid 1/3 the price of "aquarium" sand. 🤷
Hello, I notice a lot of boulders and stone in this video. What preparations do you do to the stone prior to adding them to the tank? Thanks for all the tutorials, you've been really helpful with this hobby.
I absolutely hated pool filter sand . The Nat geo sand is far superior and well worth the extra money . Besides the fish keeping hobby in general isn't cheap.
That is strange? On the website, it describes it may tamper with your water chemistry. I'm scared to get the gravel just because I don't want it to raise my ph because I have it high enough already at a 7.8 but the comment makes me feel safer on getting the gravel.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This sand is no longer available, but here is an Amazon affiliate link to the sand we currently use and like! amzn.to/2rU57K1
Here is a more comprehensive video on substrate that includes gravel and specialty substrates as well. ua-cam.com/video/oflQNgzh_0I/v-deo.html
If you liked the multis in the first tank you can see more here:
ua-cam.com/video/LymOSgIcDss/v-deo.html
If you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! ua-cam.com/channels/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA.htmljoin
Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch
Does this new sand have the WEIGHT of the Nat Geo sand? I want to be able to gravel vac it.
Me to
I went with Nat Geo after watching one of your videos. Although much more expensive than pool filter sand, I sleep much easier knowing it won’t go down my sink drain when cleaning my tank. Thanks for the videos!
I was kind of the same way. It was easier for us to clean.
I already use nat geo sand and love it. It's easy to clean and plants grow well in it.
I was about to buy pool filter sand but I may stick with what I know after watching this.
Pool filter sand isn't bad if you have HOB or canister filers removing all the solutes, but with sponge filters that's a little harder to do. You can't go wrong with your set-up. : -)
Both are great. Really clean.
Pool filter sand is awesome I just wish it were darker it would be perfect. I always check multiple Ace hardwares and buy 2-4 bags of hth pool sand when they have it our local one I get a lot and they probably think I'm nuts. Black diamond blasting sand is fantastic too lately the BDBS bags have been exactly like soft sand instead of rough shapes with long rods in it. I get those big cheap black totes with yellow lids at home Depot and store the sand in those under my cinder block Aquarium racks. The quickrete medium sand 100lb bags at home Depot are great too if you like white sand it's a soft finer sand my plants seem to do the best in that one especially crypts and swords for some reason.
I have the National Geographic sand in my frontosa tank recently setup. I love it! Easy to vacuum and looks great. Thanks for the great video!
Cool! Sounds like a great set-up. : -)
Specifically National Geographic sand all the way! So easy to gravel vac & looks great too👍🏻 nice video!
Thank you for sharing!
Where can you buy it
You can’t get Nat Geo any more but it was made by Estes and the same stuff is sold as Stoney River, Ultra Reef and Imagitarium. In the US, doesn’t seem to be available in Europe.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the info. I just went looking for the Nat Geo and couldn't find it. Been using Diamond blasting sand but want.to change to make the vacuuming easier. Off to get the Stony River tomorrow
Thanks for the video! I've been putting off having substrate in two of my tanks for this exact reason.
Thank you! The heavier sand makes things a lot easier.
Good info. Just starting a multi tank, so very timely info for me. I was thinking pool sand, but after watching your video, I will probably look at the Nat Geo sand. Thanks!
Hey Rick, that's probably the way I would go too if I were starting it now.
where did u get the rocks
Most of our rocks come from a local landscaping place.
I’ve just bought nat geo sand for the shelldweller tank I’m setting up. I’m also going to add a bit of coral sand for added texture. 🐡🐡🐡
That's going to look nice!
what are those yellow fish called at 3:08 i love them so much
That was a mix of male Kenyi (very aggressive) and yellow labs (a little less aggressive). :-)
Pool filter sand and Malaysian Trumpet snails for me, the snails burrow into the sand and pull down detritus to the plant roots, and their burrowing keeps the sand from packing down and going anaerobic
Pool filter sand has a mix of coarser particles and super fine particles. I get a fine mesh sieve from the dollar store and separate the coarse grains. I use the coarse grains for the substrate and the fine grains for fluidized sand filter. Works great.
Interesting idea!
Prime Time Aquatics Easy to do when you wash the sand. The coarser grains are much less likely to get sucked up by vac when cleaning!
I have aquarium sand mixed with live aragonite in my 55g brackish tank.
Now I have what appears to be a complete nitrogen cycle, with nitrates registering at zerp, throughout the entire cycle and into the present. I have yet to see nitrates above my baseline of 5ppm or even less.
hello, looking for a black sand but seems CaribSea isn't available any more, and neither is Nat Geo.. Can you recommend one that can be gravel vacuumed? I have seen the CaribSea Cichlid mix, but won't have those fish so wasn't sure if that will mess up PH stuff. Will have goldfish for sure and maybe other types too.
We just use the stuff from Petsmart when using black sand.
when it comes to hobby, money isnt an issue, & thanx for the info of this, Nat Geo sand i never heard of, which is Now my #1 on the list...(always take advise from a man with a beard %100)
Haha. Nat geo has been good for us. : -)
ever heard of caribsea sand
I use Mystic White II Swimming Pool Filter Sand, its literally pure white. You need strong wave makers to create a circular current and nothing will ever settle on the bottom.
I use PFS in my Kribensis tanks, they pick through it so much it really never looks very dirty, but this also has decent flow, which pushes much of the detritus off the substrate and gets it to the intake sponge on my AC70 (40B tank size). Great comparison and info Jason!
Sounds like a nice set up!
It has been pretty fun, lots of crypts and pygmy chain sword, a few zebra danio and scissor tail rasboras as dithers, then a small army of panda garra and a horde of juve/young adult Pelvicachromis Taeniatus Bipindis. I have some shots of it in a couple videos on my channel, but I get envious of your amazing 33L rack.
I had been using pfs and really liked the look of it. I have lots of flow in the tank so never really had to vacuum. My problem was my ph was lower than I like at 7.2 so have recently switched to arragonite and am having decent results so far. I have posted a video of the change over. The one negative about it is it clouds the water up pretty easy. Thanks for you videos!
Thanks for sharing!
I was wondering how to buffer water ph because I heard multies like hard water.
Lots of people used crushed coral as part of the substrate or in filter bags.
Did they discontinued the nat geo sand? I cant find it anywhere.
I think they may have.
That sucks. I guess pool filter sand it is then lol. Thanks.
I saw on another site that it also goes by the name Estes' and Stoney Creek.
Hi Jason! thank you for this video, exactly what I was looking for! answered my questions.
What about just going down to the beach and getting sand?
*note* I am total newbe looking at getting 1st tank, so yes, I am clueless - about everything aquarium related. Currently considering 30x18x18 inch tank size. Why that size? It fits the space I want to put it.
That's a nice size tank! My worry about beach sand is potential pathogens being introduced into the tank.
That Nat Geo sand is amazing...comes 100% clean right out of the bag! Worth every penny...I paid a lot (needed 150lbs) but am glad I went with it over pool filter or play sand which requires hours of cleaning before you can put it in the tank.
Gurvinder Parmar Totally agree!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics and it works much better with the Python gravel siphoning system.
Your tanks are AMAZING
Thank you! Appreciate you watching!
I discovered today that pet smart no longer carries Nat Geo sand. Is there a comparable brand or product you would recommend?
Matt Ramsland
Hey Matt, Carib Sea makes a number of substrate options for you. Reputable and clean. Sands come in different whites, black and even exotic pink if you’re feeling it. A friend has pick with shells all over the place for fish that dwell in such habitats. Good luck fellow fish keeper.
Can I cap PFS with seachem fluorite and eliminate any of the problems you described?? I wanna use PFS to raise grade in the back of the tank to slope it towards the front.. kinda like a iwagumi aquascape. I have a 40gallon breeder with 4 bags of flourite. Which will give me a solid 2inches threw out the tank per substrate calculator.
Jason, great video, I have searched and cannot find anyone who carries the Nat Geo sand, I did see the link below, first is it the case you cannot buy that sand any longer and the link is to Caribsea sand, had in a tank and I had a terrible time with brown algae on it?
Ya, they stopped making it. Right now we use a lot of Caribsea and Top Fin sand. We are having good luck with both.
HI I got the Carb Sea sand you currently use-- from petco- its VERY fine - the color is torpedo beach does this stuff have differing sizes?
It might depending on the color?
Another great video mate really informative love seeing the multis
I thought you might like that! : -)
Prime Time Aquatics oh ya I love seeing that tank I could watch it on a loop seeing your multis being confident not darting in and out of shells and thriving as a colony can't help but make me smile there was a few even near the surface this time it's just great :)
Where did you get your pool filter sand? The one I get is from Leslie's Pools and it's great. It is the same exact color and weight and the Caribsea sunset gold. I did have to clean it more, but not substantially more. I don't like sand from the hardwhere store at all. I did initially use the Caribsea moon light and it costed me major money to put in my 180 both 220's and 350 gallon tanks. On one of the 220's I used sunset gold. I then discovered that the pool filter sand from Leslie's Pool supplies was just the same. Was sold ever sense. I dont think I'm going to spend that much money again on the name brands.
I got mine from Menards. It was horrible and that grain size was bigger than some of the others I looked at. Glad yours is working out well!
I definitely agree that hob and canister filters help a lot. I go with a circulation pump in the tank and an hob with filter floss so it picks up most of the junk at the bottom. I just don't like store bought stuff as its normally not cheap and its not real most of the time which I don't like
Brackon like petcos black sand where it's painted.
Your filtration set up probably helps a lot keeping it look good. Thanks for sharing!
What are your thoughts on black diamond substrate
I have not used it, but a know people in some of the fish clubs I belong to that have and they like it.
I use Nat Geo sand in my turtle tank it's great...the sand grains are just big enough to not get sucked up my my gravel vac yet small enough where my turtles can still digest it with no problems
I use the carib cichlids sand for my fish tank it is great as well...grains are smaller than the nat Geo but I'm still able to gravel vac it as well
I can't seem to find the nat geo sand... doesn't come up in google when I search it. Is it still available ?
I know Petsmart had it, but I haven't been there in a while.
Great comparison. . . Thanks for sharing and happy fish keeping ! ! !
Thank you!
You're welcome ! ! !
Where do you buy the nat geo sand? I dont see it on amazon. Ty
They stopped making it. We have shifted to Caribsea Naturals in a lot of our tanks now.
Adding myself since I can't find this online either!
Are you as satisfied with the color of the black version?
Been having issues with color fade in my dark substitutes
Are you still able to syphon the caribsea naturals like the nat geo?
So far it's been good.
Has anyone use black diamond sand? The one use for sand blasting sold at tractor supply.
I haven't personally, but I know people who have. I would be curious what people's experience is with it.
I have used black diamond sand with success. My only issue is some of the substrate would look like rust spots on the glass but when I took the tank down it didn't leave a mark.
I have it in a 40b community tank and a 20l cherry shrimp tank...... its not my favorite. It has some type of other brown material i it so it always look dirty IMO. But again i didnt know a whole lot befor i jumped to useing it i think it would be great for a buisy cichlid tank.
I am setting up my first 135 gallon community tank how many pounds of sand do you recommend to have a 2 1/2 to 3 inch substrate?
Good question - I'd probably buy at least 175lbs or so - you can always take a 25lb bag back, but it really stinks if you have to go back and get another one in the middle of the setup. : -)
Prime Time Aquatics thanks for the reply. I did find a calculator online that verified your recommendation. Great channel and I look forward to my completion of my aquarium wall unit to start enjoying raising fish once again!! :)
Hello, so apparently Nat Geo is no longer available. Is there something you recommend that is comparable? I have a 75 gallon with cichlids and a red ear slider. I am having high ammonia problems and have removed the rock substrate I was using. Thank you.
Caribsea makes a sand that is a little more finely grained, but still good.
What store did u get Nat Geo sand?
They used to carry it at Petsmart. They discontinued the brand name, but their Top Fin sand is just as good.
I found the cheap play sand or pool filter sand blew out the impellers in my canister filters in pretty short order because of the fine abrasive particles. I saved a lot of money in the long run by going to National Geographic.
Good point. Didn't even think about that!
Hi Jason.. another of ur informative videos is here.. superb comparisons made.. I wanted ur suggestions on fertilizers... What's ur take among root tabs and liquid fertilizers.. which ones ur choice.. and why... I have a newly planted setup of my 75 gallon which is barely 6 days old.. using tropica and Ada substrates
I use them both. Depends on the plants. You may not need as many root tabs with the ADA initially. Liquid ferts are good for floating plants and stem plants
I mix aragonite 50/50 with my Nat Geo sand and it works great to buffer PH in my Tanganyikan tanks. Nice video!
Sounds like a nice set-up!
Yep. I know that you are into Tanganyikan Cichlids. If you have not kept or seen this species before, I encourage you to check it out. Benthachromis tricoti...the males are absolutely stunning. A bucket list Tanganikyan! :)
I saw them at a rare fish auction and they went for BIG money!
Where can I buy the Nat Geo black sand??? Can’t find it anywhere
Our local Petsmart carries it. Not sure who else does though. Great stuff!
Another power vid! Those Mbunas are BOSS!
Thank you! I love watching them. : -)
question,pool filter or nat geo sand for corys and plecs ????????
thanks
Both will work the same. The difference comes on tank maintenance day. I say spend the extra money and get the Nat Geo. With pool filter sand, I was sucking up too much sand when vacuuming and it would go down the drain.
I agree!
thanks
I enjoyed the video! I've never used the Nat Geo sand with Kuhli loaches. Is it smooth enough for the those little soft belly guys?
Yes, it's on the softer side. I've had kohl loaches with it before without issues.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Great! Thanks for the information.
Great comparison. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
Is this sand safe for Geophagus?
It sure is!
Is Nat Geo black sand good for Cory’s?
I would think so. It's not particularly sharp or anything.
Do you recommend a specific brand that sells the best nat geo sand? I want to do a community but with black nat geo sand and cant find a good brand with actual black sand?
The only two black sand brands I have used is Nat Geo which I found at Petsmart and Caribsea naturals, which isn't quite as dark, but still decent.
I have CaribSea Tahitian Moon in a couple tanks.
I'm curious to know how National Geographic sand compares to CaribSea Tahitian Moon sand.
Anyone know?
National Geographic sand is cheaper and you get 5 pounds more for $4 less, so that's a bonus.
I haven't used the other type of sand you mentioned so I'd love to hear from someone who's used both too.
Brad Clarke I think the Tahitian Moon Sand is slightly finer than the N. Geo. It also has some more sparkle to it. If you want straight black go with the N. Geo
I had Tahitian moon sand as well, it killed all my fish so I had to remove it
Iv used pfs befor i dont like how each bag even if its the same brand is a little bit different. The only pfs i want to try is the stuff bob steenfott uses but i cannot seem to find it....
Ya, he's got some nice smaller sized gravel in some of his tanks too!
I use super naturals. It's expensive, about $23 for 20lbs, but it's nice.
I agree!
Great video topic. Thanks for putting it together. Cheers.
Thank you!
What if you mixed them? Put the better quality on top, sure over time they mix but doesn’t the lighter go to the bottom? I had that happen trying to be “smart” with a 29 gallon bought substrate for growing plants the tank was used and came with some ugly gravel so I thought I’d put it under it to help fill it out...well we know how that went, time went on and ugly gravel started showing though, I picked it out more came through. Finally when the tank got an overhaul 2 years later I picked every ugly gravel piece out it. It again has gravel in it with the plant substrate but it’s natural so it actually enhances the look to make it look more natural and not blah one solid color. I want to add sand to my new 55g and I was gonna go with the pool sand, think I still
am this had persuaded me. BUT I think if someone has tried using both maybe pool sand on the bottom then more expensive sand on the top to give it a decent bed for a planted aquarium what the results are. 🤔 if someone had tried this..... be cost effective if works. Love to know this will be my first time working with sand
I love your black sand
Great comparison!
Thank you. Appreciate you watching!
I haven’t used either types of sand spoken about in this video. But I am currently using paving base sand that can be bought at any home improvement store.
It will need to be rinsed out throughly which my take a while. It does well with a gravel vacuum. I will get sucked up but it will generally fall back down. It adds another level of biological filtration as well. As with any sand it should get disturbed once in a while to keep gas pockets from forming.
It gives my aquariums a natural look especially since I mix it with pea gravel to make my tanks look like a stream or river bottom.
Wish I had watched this video about a week earlier! Just switched from a bare bottom fancy goldfish tank to pool filter sand. It's attractive when it's clean, but it's so cloudy and hard to clean! My store bought sand in my betta tank is way easier to vacuum. Didn't realize that until I watched this video though. That said, I paid 1/3 the price of "aquarium" sand. 🤷
Ya, same problem we were having. At least the goldfish will chew up whatever winds up on the bottom and make it small enough to vacuum up. : -)
Prime Time Aquatics That's the nicest way someone said "They chew their poop" I've ever heard 🤣🤣
Hello, I notice a lot of boulders and stone in this video. What preparations do you do to the stone prior to adding them to the tank? Thanks for all the tutorials, you've been really helpful with this hobby.
I generally scrub them down with a wire brush and also use hydrogen peroxide to disinfect.
Does National Geographic sand have gas pockets....have soft water....
Almost any sand can develop gas pockets if deep enough. The short answer is yes, but I’ve never actually had anything bad happen as a result.
What is the rock / slate at 6:00?
That is flagstone. We get it really cheap at our local landscaping place (like .20/LB)!
I use river sand.
Where can I buy the natgeo sand? I've looked everywhere!?
They stopped making it. I use Caribsea Naturals now.
Prime Time Aquatics black diamond blasting or Tatiana moon ? Thoughts
nice camera today
Very nice......
No.2 silica sand and be done with it.
Excellent size for plant roots. I usually add a few bags of natural gravel for aesthetics. Excellent for gravel vacuuming.
I absolutely hated pool filter sand . The Nat geo sand is far superior and well worth the extra money . Besides the fish keeping hobby in general isn't cheap.
We’ve been slowly removing pool filter sand from our tanks as we update them
I hear that National Geographic sand will rise the ph in your aquarium
Hey Ryan, I haven't seen it change our pH, but it's naturally high out of the tap (7.8).
That is strange? On the website, it describes it may tamper with your water chemistry. I'm scared to get the gravel just because I don't want it to raise my ph because I have it high enough already at a 7.8 but the comment makes me feel safer on getting the gravel.
ps great vid by the way
Thanos
Sand in the aquarium is not for lazy people.
Very true : -)