Substrates

[FrannyB]

I didn't see a section for this topic. I hope this area is okay.

My vision for my 125 gallon tank is to create a quasi SA biotope. Whereas most, if not all, the flora and fauna would be from that continent. I don't want to do a region say, Orinoco because I intend to have Venezuelan altums and Brasilian Cardinal tetras, etc.,

I am researching for plants at the moment.

I intend to use Flourite, peat and silica sand as my substrate.

So here is my story...

I have been trying to find 100 lb bags of silica sand. AC doesn't carry them anymore. I called a pool supply company in Rockville that sells the filter sand for $22 for 25lbs. Is this normal? It seems a little overpriced to me.

Does anyone know where I can find silica sand by the 100lb bags (or smaller) or a pool supply that has cheaper sand?

I have also read of adding mulm to the substrate. As my tanks are basically barebottom for the time being, could I squeeze in the juices from the pleco poop laden sponge filters as a substitute?

Thanks

[krisw]

For south american plants, you have plenty of choices. Partial list:

Alternanthera reineckii
Bacopa monnieri
Cabomba caroliniana
Eleocharis acicularis = Dwarf Hairgrass
Echinodorus ** = Most Sword Plants
Hemianthus callitrichoides
Heteranthera zosterifolia = Stargrass
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
Hydrocotyle verticillata = Brazilian Pennywort
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Micranthemum umbrosum
Myriophyllum aquaticum
Phyllanthus fluitans
Riccia fluitans
Sagittaria subulata
Tonina fluviatilis
Vesicularia sp. ''Christmas'' = Christmas Moss

This is a subset of the results from Tropica's site. Goto the site, click on Advanced Search, and select South America as the continent.

http://www.tropica.com/default.asp

[SCMurphy]

What color sand did you want? I just started using the 3M ColorQuartz substrate, even had samples at the meeting for people to look at. The substrate comes in a, more managable, 50 lb bag. The T grade I bought was about $25. I think the S grade which is finer is a little less I think. I have the contact information at home for the company, it's in Baltimore, one exit up 395 from 95. I can post it later if you want.

[FrannyB]

Kris, Thanks for that list and the link. You sure made the search much easier.

Sean...Drat, I missed seeing your samples! I don't think I want that bright white affect. I don't know what the 'S' or the 'T' look like. I just don't want 'play sand'. It's just too fine...

Yes, post it please.

[Aaron]

The "T" grade is coarser (close to pool filter sand) and it comes in black. I got some recently too, though I won't be putting it to use for a little while yet.