The sand is made out of silica and develops a gel film on top. CaribSea Super Natural Aquarium SandSoft, fine sandPH neutralLow maintenanceCheck Price2. Best to use this sand alone and not mixed with other substrates. If you have a plant aquarium that doesnt contain fish yet, you can pour the sand straight into the aquarium without rinsing or washing it first. Do not forget to wash the accessories before putting them back into your clean tank. Their job is to suck up algae wherever they find it. Making the wrong decision could result in your plants not rooting, fish not breeding, or worse, your fish getting sick and dying.Q: What is the best aquarium substrate?A: All substrates have pros and cons to consider carefully before making your decision. 
The best way to know if your sand contains marine bacteria is by looking at the bag. This is obviously not the same material you will find out in the sea. Q: How many types of aquarium substrates are there?A: There are many different substrates. You will find it much easier to clean a sandy aquarium rather than one that contains gravel, as the sand doesnt collect waste as easily. Stoney River White Aquarium SandVacuum friendlyLovely colorDoesnt create air pocketsCheck Price7. If your fish is a sand sifting fish they will have a very particular sized grain that they like. They will spend most of their day huddled in a group and rustling through the sand. However, the first thing to consider when choosing a substrate is what fish are going to be living in your aquarium.In nature, and is found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, so most fish will be familiar and feel comfortable with a sand substrate in the aquarium. It is considered the standard sand for aquariums, not showy and not plain. There are some fish that benefit from a sandy substrate far more than others, like bottom-dwelling fish. If you dont clean it regularly this glorious bright white sand will turn yellow and grubby. 6. Please tell me which is the best freshwater sand to use in a community tank. This is the worst sand to use in your fish aquarium. If you want to create a unique aquarium that is a real show stopper, using colored sand is a great way of doing it. Q: Is aquarium sand similar to ocean sand?A: Yes and no. Not every sand can be cleaned the same way. Assuming all your fish will appreciate sand in their aquarium could be a risky and irresponsible mistake. 
The sand is heavy enough not to float about in the aquarium and clog up filter systems. 
The image shows larger and brighter chunks of pink amongst the fine grains of sand, however, it doesnt actually look like this on arrival. If you really cannot resist artificial sand because of its aesthetic appeal, then you can get away with it in a planted, fishless aquarium. If the sand is not thoroughly washed before putting it in the aquarium, it will leave the tank cloudy for a couple of days. Shrimp do the hard work for you and get into every nook and cranny.One thing to be mindful of is if you have any big fish in your tank. One bag of this sand is more than enough to fill a 60-gallon tank. Royal Ram Natural White SandProduct HighlightsA completely natural sand that will sparkle beautifully in your aquarium. Keep in mind that it is a pain to clean. Plus a 10-pound bag of sand is more than enough for a 10-gallon aquarium.What We Dont Like About Natures Ocean Samoa Pink SandThe image shows larger and brighter chunks of pink amongst the fine grains of sand, however, it doesnt actually look like this on arrival. This is just a safety precaution. Anyone that doesnt have a sufficient water filter should wash the sand before use, even though it is pre-washed. Most importantly, it wont clog up your filter system. There are fish that actually get very sick from a sandy substrate because it clogs them up.There are also some fish that bury their eggs in the sand or burrow playfully in the substrate. Best to use this sand alone and not mixed with other substrates.FeaturesDoes not change the waters PH levelDoes not need to be replaced after a certain period of timeMade of porous clayEasy to use.embed-container{position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%}.embed-container iframe,.embed-container object,.embed-container embed{position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%}What We Like About SeaChem Flourite Black SandIt is beautiful charcoal, dark gray color. All in all, it is the most versatile sand out of the 10 we have just looked at and can be integrated into almost any aquarium. For example, they are happiest in a sandy environment because they actually eat the microorganisms that live in the sand. Top Tip: Be super careful during water changes not to damage any fish or plants. Better yet its completely natural and integrates well in an already functioning tank, especially in tanks with fish that do not move the sand about too much. It helps to control algae build up in the tank which is usually especially hard to control if you have a big tank. I just got a 5 gal fluval spec. Large fish will eat your shrimp, so keep them in a tank with little fish to stay on the safe side.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1','ezslot_27',138,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1-0')};CorydorasCorydoras are really easy going fish, they like to live in large groups so having about 7 o 8 in your tank is best. Sand sifters can move the sand about in their mouth nicely, not too big and not too fine for them to do their job. The sand is very clean and pure, looks beautiful in an aquarium and doesnt require much maintenance.What We Dont Like About Royal Ram Natural White SandOne bag is only about 3 cups of sand, so you will need a few bags of the stuff to fill a 10-gallon aquarium. Do you want glow-in-the-dark sand? All in all, it is the most versatile sand out of the 10 we have just looked at and can be integrated into almost any aquarium.What Sand Should You Choose For Your Tank?Not all sands are appropriate for freshwater aquariums just like certain types of sand are harmful in a saltwater aquarium. This sand, however, is coarse enough to prevent this from happening. It releases carbon dioxide into the water which helps aquarium plants photosynthesize. There are many beneficial reasons to use sand as your aquarium substrate. For example, they are happiest in a sandy environment because they actually eat the microorganisms that live in the sand.Doing your homework is crucial. Use it for decoration in or out of an aquarium. Plants are compatible with this sand, in fact, the sand holds plants in place during water changes, so you wont find yourself replanting your plants afterward anymore. The sand will take days to settle if you do not have the appropriate filter system in place to clean the water. You also wont have to clean the substrate out as often when you use this sand.Great for bottom dwellers or other fish that are sensitive to sharp substrates as its grains are super fine and soft. Take the Cichlid species. Planting new plants in the aquarium is a bit tricky with this sand as they struggle to stay rooted.
It is important to know which sand you are dealing with. Shines and sparkles soft pink under the aquarium lights. Plants are compatible with this sand, in fact, the sand holds plants in place during water changes, so you wont find yourself replanting your plants afterward anymore. If your tank has a good filter, the initial cloudiness clears up within a day or so. Shrimp do the hard work for you and get into every nook and cranny. Robert. Great for bottom dwellers or other fish that are sensitive to sharp substrates as its grains are super fine and soft. Use this sand in saltwater and freshwater aquariums, ponds, terrariums, gardens, potted plants, and many much more. Top Tip: You have got to make sure your filter is appropriate for fine sand before using this sand if not the filter will be ruined. Or maybe bright pink or blue sand? The male guppies are flamboyant and shake their gorgeous colorful tail all over the tank. The sand sticks and lumps together.PROSVacuum friendlyLovely colorComes with instructionsDoesnt create air pocketsCONSSilica sand, not natural sandDevelops a gel coating7. Sand that will not alter the water in any way is a good option for those of you that require your tank to stay at a certain PH level. You can get crushed coral sand that dissolves in the water until the water reaches a PH of 7.4. Guppies are the most vibrant bottom dwellers, in my opinion. What sand is in your tank? Here are some other things to consider when you are shopping for your sand. Take the Cichlid species. If the bag contains water, or the sand is delivered damp, then it has active bacteria living in it. Gravel is really heavy and wont make the water look dirty or float to the surface. Other sand, such as those made of crushed coral is specifically made to change the PH levels and chemistry in the water. This benefits fish that need a boost in minerals in the water to mimic their natural habitat. Although they wont cause any trouble with other fish species, they will get in a fight or two if a fish steals their favorite hiding spot.GuppiesGuppies are the most vibrant bottom dwellers, in my opinion. After all, it is you that is going to be cleaning the aquarium and keeping it in tip-top condition. Not suitable for a refugium as the movement of the water will unsettle the sand constantly. RobertTanks & AquariumsBest Aquarium Thermometer For 2022 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]March 19, 2020 It is important to know which sand you are dealing with. If you wash it well and have a good filtering system in place, the sand will settle within a day. So it makes perfect sense for you to choose what goes into the tank.The majority of fish thrive best with a sand substrate in their tank. Please Note: The bag comes with water in it, therefore, keep in mind that the amount of sand you get is less than the kilos advertised on the packaging. The sand is very clean and pure, looks beautiful in an aquarium and doesnt require much maintenance. However, clay is mixed in with the sand to boost the nutrients in the substrate. Sand that will not alter the water in any way is a good option for those of you that require your tank to stay at a certain PH level.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',109,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0_1')};.medrectangle-4-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Other sand, such as those made of crushed coral is specifically made to change the PH levels and chemistry in the water. It is also really easy to plant plants in the sand.Suitable for larger tanks that require a more heavy-duty substrate and for anyone that wants sand that comes pre-washed, saving you a lot of time and energy.What We Dont Like About Imagitarium White Aquarium SandThe sand is coarse and unsuitable for delicate fish that like to burrow in the sand. Larger fish like pearl gourami, etc. Not all sands are appropriate for freshwater aquariums just like certain types of sand are harmful in a saltwater aquarium. The grains are similar to the size of the grains of sand found at the beach. The color is natural looking and has a very soft look to it, compared to bleached white looking sand.What We Dont Like About WorldWide Imports Aqua Terra Sand in Natural TanThe grains are small and light, therefore, they will float to the surface when disturbed. They will need a 30-gallon tank or even bigger to thrive. Incorrect sand maintenance can actually make a big old mess in your aquarium.1.
The sand is coarse and unsuitable for delicate fish that like to burrow in the sand. Now that you know all there is to know about sand, here is a little bit of information about aqua soil and gravel so that you can make a comparison.Aqua SoilAqua Soil is mainly used in plant aquariums. Whenever you add something to your tank, you must always consider if it is going to alter the PH level in the water. You will need to keep the siphon inch above the sand and swirl the siphon back and forth until you are satisfied the sand is clean. RobertTanks & AquariumsBest Turtle Filter For 2022 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]April 21, 2020 CaribSea Natural Moonlight SandProduct HighlightsYou can use this sand in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. To achieve this you will need 1 pound of sand for every gallon of water in your tank. Goldfish like their water crystal clear and the only way to do that is by performing weekly partial water changes and with a lot of help from the beneficial bacteria that live in the water. If you want to create a unique aquarium that is a real show stopper, using colored sand is a great way of doing it.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_22',127,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1-0')};Fish That Prefer Sand SubstrateYou might want to choose your fish based on the substrate you like, and not the other way around.
Prevents the fast build-up of detritus on the bottom of the aquarium. Plants can root in aqua soil far easier than in other substrates. And yet lots of movement in the aquarium will make the water murky as the sand is so fine, so you cant really win.PROSSoft, fine sandPH neutralDelicate fish love this sandLow maintenanceCONSMovement makes the water murkyDiscolors quickly2. Incorrect sand maintenance can actually make a big old mess in your aquarium. By now, your mind is probably pretty set on having sand in your aquarium. Snails, crabs, shrimps, and worms love this sand too.What We Dont Like About CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink SandThe color isnt pink at all and looks like regular sand. Keep in mind that it is a pain to clean. This acts as a natural filtering system in the water which keeps the water clean and habitable. CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Bahamas Reef Sand, 9. This benefits fish that need a boost in minerals in the water to mimic their natural habitat.Artificial SandBe very wary of artificial sand. They dont start fights with other species of fish in the tank and are very friendly and timid.
The best way to know if your sand contains marine bacteria is by looking at the bag. This is obviously not the same material you will find out in the sea. Q: How many types of aquarium substrates are there?A: There are many different substrates. You will find it much easier to clean a sandy aquarium rather than one that contains gravel, as the sand doesnt collect waste as easily. Stoney River White Aquarium SandVacuum friendlyLovely colorDoesnt create air pocketsCheck Price7. If your fish is a sand sifting fish they will have a very particular sized grain that they like. They will spend most of their day huddled in a group and rustling through the sand. However, the first thing to consider when choosing a substrate is what fish are going to be living in your aquarium.In nature, and is found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, so most fish will be familiar and feel comfortable with a sand substrate in the aquarium. It is considered the standard sand for aquariums, not showy and not plain. There are some fish that benefit from a sandy substrate far more than others, like bottom-dwelling fish. If you dont clean it regularly this glorious bright white sand will turn yellow and grubby. 6. Please tell me which is the best freshwater sand to use in a community tank. This is the worst sand to use in your fish aquarium. If you want to create a unique aquarium that is a real show stopper, using colored sand is a great way of doing it. Q: Is aquarium sand similar to ocean sand?A: Yes and no. Not every sand can be cleaned the same way. Assuming all your fish will appreciate sand in their aquarium could be a risky and irresponsible mistake. The sand is heavy enough not to float about in the aquarium and clog up filter systems. The image shows larger and brighter chunks of pink amongst the fine grains of sand, however, it doesnt actually look like this on arrival. If you really cannot resist artificial sand because of its aesthetic appeal, then you can get away with it in a planted, fishless aquarium. If the sand is not thoroughly washed before putting it in the aquarium, it will leave the tank cloudy for a couple of days. Shrimp do the hard work for you and get into every nook and cranny.One thing to be mindful of is if you have any big fish in your tank. One bag of this sand is more than enough to fill a 60-gallon tank. Royal Ram Natural White SandProduct HighlightsA completely natural sand that will sparkle beautifully in your aquarium. Keep in mind that it is a pain to clean. Plus a 10-pound bag of sand is more than enough for a 10-gallon aquarium.What We Dont Like About Natures Ocean Samoa Pink SandThe image shows larger and brighter chunks of pink amongst the fine grains of sand, however, it doesnt actually look like this on arrival. This is just a safety precaution. Anyone that doesnt have a sufficient water filter should wash the sand before use, even though it is pre-washed. Most importantly, it wont clog up your filter system. There are fish that actually get very sick from a sandy substrate because it clogs them up.There are also some fish that bury their eggs in the sand or burrow playfully in the substrate. Best to use this sand alone and not mixed with other substrates.FeaturesDoes not change the waters PH levelDoes not need to be replaced after a certain period of timeMade of porous clayEasy to use.embed-container{position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%}.embed-container iframe,.embed-container object,.embed-container embed{position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%}What We Like About SeaChem Flourite Black SandIt is beautiful charcoal, dark gray color. All in all, it is the most versatile sand out of the 10 we have just looked at and can be integrated into almost any aquarium. For example, they are happiest in a sandy environment because they actually eat the microorganisms that live in the sand. Top Tip: Be super careful during water changes not to damage any fish or plants. Better yet its completely natural and integrates well in an already functioning tank, especially in tanks with fish that do not move the sand about too much. It helps to control algae build up in the tank which is usually especially hard to control if you have a big tank. I just got a 5 gal fluval spec. Large fish will eat your shrimp, so keep them in a tank with little fish to stay on the safe side.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1','ezslot_27',138,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-portrait-1-0')};CorydorasCorydoras are really easy going fish, they like to live in large groups so having about 7 o 8 in your tank is best. Sand sifters can move the sand about in their mouth nicely, not too big and not too fine for them to do their job. The sand is very clean and pure, looks beautiful in an aquarium and doesnt require much maintenance.What We Dont Like About Royal Ram Natural White SandOne bag is only about 3 cups of sand, so you will need a few bags of the stuff to fill a 10-gallon aquarium. Do you want glow-in-the-dark sand? All in all, it is the most versatile sand out of the 10 we have just looked at and can be integrated into almost any aquarium.What Sand Should You Choose For Your Tank?Not all sands are appropriate for freshwater aquariums just like certain types of sand are harmful in a saltwater aquarium. This sand, however, is coarse enough to prevent this from happening. It releases carbon dioxide into the water which helps aquarium plants photosynthesize. There are many beneficial reasons to use sand as your aquarium substrate. For example, they are happiest in a sandy environment because they actually eat the microorganisms that live in the sand.Doing your homework is crucial. Use it for decoration in or out of an aquarium. Plants are compatible with this sand, in fact, the sand holds plants in place during water changes, so you wont find yourself replanting your plants afterward anymore. The sand will take days to settle if you do not have the appropriate filter system in place to clean the water. You also wont have to clean the substrate out as often when you use this sand.Great for bottom dwellers or other fish that are sensitive to sharp substrates as its grains are super fine and soft. Take the Cichlid species. Planting new plants in the aquarium is a bit tricky with this sand as they struggle to stay rooted. It is important to know which sand you are dealing with. Shines and sparkles soft pink under the aquarium lights. Plants are compatible with this sand, in fact, the sand holds plants in place during water changes, so you wont find yourself replanting your plants afterward anymore. If your tank has a good filter, the initial cloudiness clears up within a day or so. Shrimp do the hard work for you and get into every nook and cranny. Robert. Great for bottom dwellers or other fish that are sensitive to sharp substrates as its grains are super fine and soft. Use this sand in saltwater and freshwater aquariums, ponds, terrariums, gardens, potted plants, and many much more. Top Tip: You have got to make sure your filter is appropriate for fine sand before using this sand if not the filter will be ruined. Or maybe bright pink or blue sand? The male guppies are flamboyant and shake their gorgeous colorful tail all over the tank. The sand sticks and lumps together.PROSVacuum friendlyLovely colorComes with instructionsDoesnt create air pocketsCONSSilica sand, not natural sandDevelops a gel coating7. Sand that will not alter the water in any way is a good option for those of you that require your tank to stay at a certain PH level. You can get crushed coral sand that dissolves in the water until the water reaches a PH of 7.4. Guppies are the most vibrant bottom dwellers, in my opinion. What sand is in your tank? Here are some other things to consider when you are shopping for your sand. Take the Cichlid species. If the bag contains water, or the sand is delivered damp, then it has active bacteria living in it. Gravel is really heavy and wont make the water look dirty or float to the surface. Other sand, such as those made of crushed coral is specifically made to change the PH levels and chemistry in the water. This benefits fish that need a boost in minerals in the water to mimic their natural habitat. Although they wont cause any trouble with other fish species, they will get in a fight or two if a fish steals their favorite hiding spot.GuppiesGuppies are the most vibrant bottom dwellers, in my opinion. After all, it is you that is going to be cleaning the aquarium and keeping it in tip-top condition. Not suitable for a refugium as the movement of the water will unsettle the sand constantly. RobertTanks & AquariumsBest Aquarium Thermometer For 2022 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]March 19, 2020 It is important to know which sand you are dealing with. If you wash it well and have a good filtering system in place, the sand will settle within a day. So it makes perfect sense for you to choose what goes into the tank.The majority of fish thrive best with a sand substrate in their tank. Please Note: The bag comes with water in it, therefore, keep in mind that the amount of sand you get is less than the kilos advertised on the packaging. The sand is very clean and pure, looks beautiful in an aquarium and doesnt require much maintenance. However, clay is mixed in with the sand to boost the nutrients in the substrate. Sand that will not alter the water in any way is a good option for those of you that require your tank to stay at a certain PH level.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_10',109,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-medrectangle-4-0_1')};.medrectangle-4-multi-109{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding-bottom:10px!important;padding-top:10px!important;text-align:center!important}Other sand, such as those made of crushed coral is specifically made to change the PH levels and chemistry in the water. It is also really easy to plant plants in the sand.Suitable for larger tanks that require a more heavy-duty substrate and for anyone that wants sand that comes pre-washed, saving you a lot of time and energy.What We Dont Like About Imagitarium White Aquarium SandThe sand is coarse and unsuitable for delicate fish that like to burrow in the sand. Larger fish like pearl gourami, etc. Not all sands are appropriate for freshwater aquariums just like certain types of sand are harmful in a saltwater aquarium. The grains are similar to the size of the grains of sand found at the beach. The color is natural looking and has a very soft look to it, compared to bleached white looking sand.What We Dont Like About WorldWide Imports Aqua Terra Sand in Natural TanThe grains are small and light, therefore, they will float to the surface when disturbed. They will need a 30-gallon tank or even bigger to thrive. Incorrect sand maintenance can actually make a big old mess in your aquarium.1.
The sand is coarse and unsuitable for delicate fish that like to burrow in the sand. Now that you know all there is to know about sand, here is a little bit of information about aqua soil and gravel so that you can make a comparison.Aqua SoilAqua Soil is mainly used in plant aquariums. Whenever you add something to your tank, you must always consider if it is going to alter the PH level in the water. You will need to keep the siphon inch above the sand and swirl the siphon back and forth until you are satisfied the sand is clean. RobertTanks & AquariumsBest Turtle Filter For 2022 [Our Reviews and Comparisons]April 21, 2020 CaribSea Natural Moonlight SandProduct HighlightsYou can use this sand in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. To achieve this you will need 1 pound of sand for every gallon of water in your tank. Goldfish like their water crystal clear and the only way to do that is by performing weekly partial water changes and with a lot of help from the beneficial bacteria that live in the water. If you want to create a unique aquarium that is a real show stopper, using colored sand is a great way of doing it.Advertisementsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_22',127,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishkeepingworld_com-narrow-sky-1-0')};Fish That Prefer Sand SubstrateYou might want to choose your fish based on the substrate you like, and not the other way around.
Prevents the fast build-up of detritus on the bottom of the aquarium. Plants can root in aqua soil far easier than in other substrates. And yet lots of movement in the aquarium will make the water murky as the sand is so fine, so you cant really win.PROSSoft, fine sandPH neutralDelicate fish love this sandLow maintenanceCONSMovement makes the water murkyDiscolors quickly2. Incorrect sand maintenance can actually make a big old mess in your aquarium. By now, your mind is probably pretty set on having sand in your aquarium. Snails, crabs, shrimps, and worms love this sand too.What We Dont Like About CaribSea Arag-Alive Fiji Pink SandThe color isnt pink at all and looks like regular sand. Keep in mind that it is a pain to clean. This acts as a natural filtering system in the water which keeps the water clean and habitable. CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Bahamas Reef Sand, 9. This benefits fish that need a boost in minerals in the water to mimic their natural habitat.Artificial SandBe very wary of artificial sand. They dont start fights with other species of fish in the tank and are very friendly and timid.