Aqua Natural Delta Sand Bio-Substrate 5lb for Aquariums, Sand seeded with Start up bio-Active nitrifying Bacteria

I wish I never heard of tank gravel, and I'm ashamed it took me decades to try sand. This review is by a novice with sand, expert at aquarium care for tanks 10 gallons or less. I'm a betta loyalist. I used two bags of different brands of sand and rinsed one; in the future, I'll do a rinse for speed. The water was uncomfortably cloudy for me but reading the reviews forced me to be patient. I let it cycle about four hours before I returned my betta Byumba & snail Datsun home. It was still cloudy, but two water tests an hour apart confirmed safety. The water was completely clear after almost three whole days. It was like a magic wand hit it. I switched to sand due to the never ending battle with algae. I cannot believe it took me this long. It's been over a month, the water is still perfectly clear and the only algae is so little I have to inspect it. Byumba enjoys moving the sand (he made a groove under his heater) & Datsun no longer avoids the bottom. It's life-changing, I tell you! I had to clean a very clogged filter* last week. It was wonderful because it proved the algae horror had ended. I have reviews on many tank items, but most of all I strongly recommend my filter and heater, good for up to 10 gal. Some bonus stuff about my 5.5 gal masterpiece: •I use plastic zip ties and regular super glue for designs, and redecor 3x/year. •I use slices of pool noodle to make floating holders for plants; I use zip ties or electric wire to secure the stalk if necessary. •I have a lucky bamboo, several pothos, a snake plant, and two baby monsteras flourishing and naturally cycling the water alongside the filter. I added the monsteras specifically to consume waste in order to starve algae growths. I no longer maintain aquatic plants due to the algae problems inherent to 5 gallon tanks. -I have a planted pothos with a branch rooting in the water. It's currently beginning to separate fully from the mother plant. •I find big rocks outside, set them in hot water and bleach overnight, sometimes glue them together, because it's beautiful free decor. Fun to make stuff too. •My only issue with the filter is the strong output. Byumba values a still water corner, I have to come up with ways to divert it. If you look closely at the Buddha, you'll notice a glass wall that directs the flow to the right. -that's the glass beer mug from dollar tree. I took a hammer and slowly broke it to the shape I needed, and then I filed the edges smooth with a foot file (it's the same grit as sandpaper). Datsun the snail has been all over the edges to confirm they're smooth, but I risked my own fingertips to make sure he didn't get sliced (I wouldn't have forgiven myself). •The driftwood and a mopani log in the back give the water a warm, amber tint, caused by tannins and good/fine for fish. If you add this, don't worry about the tint. •I keep the cat's bowl by the tank b/c it's lovely watching them interact a little. I hope this helps! It's dedicated to all the wonderful reviewers who've helped me tremendously. ✌🏼

So easy to add to existing aquarium, I'm slowly replacing gravel with this sand. I used a small plastic bottle, cut off the top 1/4, filled with sand and added very slowly close to the bottom. A bit cloudy but cleared overnight, I did clean the pre-sponge on my intake twice. Thrilled and will buy again when I'm ready to replace more!

Works great, looks good

I am a fish enthusiast and I'm familiar with marine and tropical fish. I purchased this media, as I'm setting up a small tank as I have a feisty clown fish exhibiting bad behavior towards it's mate. I've read negative reviews that it floats after washing and clouds the tank. I have not had this problem. I strained the media in fresh water three times to remove any type of dust. Then I slowly poured water in, not directly on the gravel as that will cloud the tank. If you do it properly, there will be no clouding or particles floating. My attached photo is halfway filled. The trick is to wash the media thoroughly, then pour water in slowly. not directly on sand to disrupt the media. This is a dull beige, not attractive as pure white, live, white sand loaded with live bacteria, so don't think it will make your aquarium look like you are scuba diving in Tahiti or Hawaii, but it does the trick.

I think I’d rather have dry sand. Then the wet “bio” sand. Getting it out of the bag was hard. I rinsed mine off even though it says not to. Seems nice. I used it for my betta tank because he was injuring himself with the larger gravel.

Material is just as listed and described. Substrate is fine with some small gravel pieces mixed in making it look very natural.

Great sand with added bio active that will help tank settle quicker.

Great substrate only thing is the bag is so small for the money but I think it’s worth it- my tank was cycled very fast

great colouring and i will buy from again