Are any of these downsides a deal breaker???

@marypaigeflynn4512

3 жыл бұрын

So far nothing's been a deal breaker!! I'm on month number two with this substrate in my planted aquarium is doing fantastic 👍👍👍🖤

@jamesknight5860

3 жыл бұрын

Man you save me $500 worth of hard labor....Screw them Pet Stores. I would give you a bro hug (no homo) if i could. RIP Pat Morita...aka Mr. Miyagi.

@shaneadmusson7740

2 жыл бұрын

Hey, I wanted to touch on the topic of deep sand substrates and gasses off loading up through the water column. This is a topic I know a lot about as I use this method predominantly. I have three deep sand substrate nano tanks as well as a small Betta container and a life jar. All have at least 2 to 3 inches of fine sand capped over dirt and heavily planted. Every one of these tanks uses anoxic zones and related bacteria to cycle the tank quickly, as well as maintain very stable water parameters over long periods of time. As to the issue of gasses; these escape through the water column and pass harmlessly out of the tank just as they do in nature (ponds ect) There is ZERO risk to the fish and we jokingly refer to this as "tank farts." The benefits to this system are far superior to gravel for both fish and plants but old wives tails die hard I guess. Gravel turns the water column into an open sewer while a deep sand substrate becomes a septic system of sorts, leading to rock solid parameters for long periods of time. I do not gravel vacume or siphon my tanks; the only water maintenance consists of removing 64oz of water from the surface of each tank and replacing every month or so. Have I had a fish die due to gasses passing through my water? NEVER, not once. My fish are healthy and never sick with anything. Not even fin rot. I also keep shrimp and snails in these tanks. I would love to see you research this channel (Father Fish) than do a fair, in depth video on the topic. Ocean Aquarium in San Francisco also uses this method; they have not changed out water in 30 years! Just top offs. Father fish has kept fish for 70 years now and is a leader in the deep substrate movement; he also ran a store in Florida for many years . 80 years ago no hobbyist used gravel substrates, sand was preferred. kzread.info/dash/bejne/gqOovNttfNmpaKg.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/dYWEm7Wpg7jFkdo.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/Z6mIvLtxmrPQZ7Q.html

@shaneadmusson7740

2 жыл бұрын

I dig your videos; great work man!

@camski13

10 ай бұрын

Is this safe for sand sifters Africans cichlids etc catfish just bought some seemed a little bit sharper than the pool sand I’m using right now

Hey man just wanna say keep it up, your the FIRST google search recommended for when you search black diamond blasting sand aquarium!

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

the SEO gods have blessed me - appreciate the kind words man!! love making content

This video was amazing!! U got to the point and had detailed good info. Thank u!! Strong new supporter here!! 🐠🐡🐌

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

welcome aboard!

Your two videos literally just saved me like $65, had Seachem Flourite in my cart from a fish website. I already have root tabs & liquid fertilizer for my live pants so that shouldn't be an issue. Thanks a bunch!

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

It's always a fun time finding ways to save money in the hobby!

Definitely picking this up at TSC! Thank you for the wonderful video;)

How does this only have 6k views lol this helped me so so much. thank you man

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

glad it helped, Dane! 👍

I just love watching your videos. They’re super informative, and damn entertaining. Your editing and special effects make me laugh. There’s a TSC right down the street from my house so next time I’m in there I’m gonna scope out the BDBS.

Very cool video, thanks for sharing this information.

Two of the main things that I've had on my mind lately was first... my betta fish that has the dragon eyes and the other... I've been looking for black sand for a new-build and you've helped me with both of those situations today!! Thank you for sharing!!

@Pharmaquatics

4 жыл бұрын

glad i could bring value, Mary!

This video was a huge help. Thank you!

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

Jack Stromberg glad it was helpful jack!

I think you can also use a plenum (with a layer of WeedBarrier so the sand doesn't fall through) with an air stone (not a powerhead) to create an anoxic environment underneath your substrate. You just need to also add Leca, Laterite, organic clay kitty litter, or some other iron source so the dimorphic bacteria can start to colonize. These bacteria will keep nitrate levels closer to what's found in nature, since so many people have nitrates as high as 20, 50, or more fairly frequently

Great advice! Thanks!

Bro this is a top notch video! 🤙

@Pharmaquatics

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot man!

Thank for this information this kind of information of the negative effects have reassured me that it will work for what I intend

Thank you for making this video!

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Thank you for sharing!

Great and well presented info.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

thanks Rob

Good video bro. Super informative

@Pharmaquatics

4 жыл бұрын

Danny Dabroy i appreciate it, man 🤙

Awesome video

Was a commercial blaster and used tons and tons of slag grit, never thought of using it for my tanks.💯

Outstanding. Have a short posting tomorrow that's black sand from outsmart that didn't go so well

Wow, I wish I heard about this sooner. I bought 3 bags of flourite from amazon. I'm so going to use this too. And they have the medium grit at my tractor supply! Technically I could return the flourite, but that wouldn't be right. I'll just use it and the black diamond sand too. Maybe put the flourite on top! Thanks. People say don't use gravel, but I have for years and it works fine. The plants anchor pretty easy and grow well. I got mine from the river - so that's how they grow there. I'm thinking about using my gravel and the black diamond on top.- like a cap. I like it being inert, so I can control the nutrients better.

Informative and helpful

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

that’s the goal! thanks!

Good stuff, the videos from Amazon are funny on people who didn’t rinse is funny their tanks are so cloudy! They shoulda seen this video! Great Video!

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

hahahah

Great Video , Thanks for sharing Your knowledge+Experience! YET ANOTHER USE FOR BDBS: I’m using Black Sand on top of my top soil for my houseplants to stop Fungus Gnats! (Fungus Gnats are like fruit flies+they lay eggs on moist soil, one adult can lay over 200 eggs at one time! While they don’t bite, they are annoying), BUT, with a layer of sand laid between the moist top soil and the outside environment; 1) Adult FG’s can’t lay eggs, so NO FG’s babies in the soil; 2)Any FG babies that may already be in the soil, can’t crawl out, so they just die+their dead bodies feed the plant. PLUS!, the Sand doesn’t block the water flow when You water Your plants..Win-Win all the way around & it Looks Great as the top layer in Plant pots!😁👍🏼 (The sand layer also makes the soil inaccessible to many other soil borne houseplant pests, so Woohoo!) NOTE:It does take the water a little longer to soak Thru the sand barrier so water slowly to avoid any water overflow!

@gdagod24

Жыл бұрын

WOW. Thank you for sis. They are extremely annoying

@lindakim3051

Жыл бұрын

I’m definitely gonna try this!! I bought a TON of extra sand just in case (because I really didn’t want to make the 1-hr drive to TSC more than once lol)

@1Ggirl1959

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm so going to try that!

@bonniebuchanan985

Жыл бұрын

@@1Ggirl1959 Note:The water will take a little bit (more than normally of course), for it to soak/flow thru sand barrier, so water slowly to prevent water over flow! Good Luck! & Let me know (honestly) how you find it..😉👍

@bonniebuchanan985

Жыл бұрын

@@lindakim3051 How’d it work out for You?! Just curious if You liked it or not.. Regardless, Have a Great 2023! & May Your Green Things Grow & Thrive for You!

I have a 20gal planted tank with BD sand it's working great. But as you stated I do have to use plant pellets

I just rinsed mine last night I only used it as a cap. I used contra soil underneath. I thought it was enough but now my tank is super muddy. Brown water from the dragon stone too. Even tho I poked and scrubbed all the clay out of the holes.

Thanks so muucchhh

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

you bet!

I think I'm going to try BDS for my 125g African chiclid tank that I'm going to put together. I'm using pool filter on my 75G and it's been working great for a few years. I just wished the pool filter sand was a different color. Not just grayish. Subscribed

If my beautiful corydoras don't lose their precious barbels on this substrate, I'll seriously consider purchasing a bag. Unfortunately, I don't have a local source selling BDBS, but amazon is always available. Thank You, Pharmaquatics, for this insightful and essential upload.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

you're welcome! hope it was insightful

@wyzemann

2 жыл бұрын

@Seamus Thanks for the reassurance 😁.

Hey bro nice video im a newbie with this fish hobby i just bought 75 gal tank and i used black diamond sand i cleaned it alot and rinse it and i try to put water on my tank and cycle it the water is still cloudy. Does this cloudy will be clear anytime soon? Thank you

I absolutely love and enjoy your videos, Thank You! I do have a question- (I've been using Black Diamond for years and love it!) The question is- i setup a 150 gallon tank and plan on having 6-8 geophagus Tapajos... in your opinion, is the Slag too sharp and large as apposed to regular sand? Being earth eaters, I don't want to damage the geos... Thanks, Bud

@6669bj

6 ай бұрын

What did you end up finding out? Have same question. I see the have fine and medium grit.

I had Black Diamond blasting sand in a few of my tanks, the plants liked it but the “sand” destroyed a couple of my fishes lips and slime coats. It’s ok as long as you don’t have lazy fish, or fish that like to play in the sand with their mouths

Has anyone used this for gobies? I've been considering this as a substrate but not sure how it works with gobies considering they burrow and use their mouths to move the sand

I mixed BDBS with eco complete and it makes it way easier to plant! I’ve done a test with plants in a tank with only sand, one with only eco complete, and one with a mixture, and the plants did WAY better in the mixture.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

that's awesome to hear! i've heard a lot of success in using BDBS to cap plant substrate

hay yall. bdbs is cool especialy for the color that imitates a quality aquatic substrate... but if your more interested in affordability and you dont mind natural colors/ varying grit, then you might try pavers sand or patio sand which is also 5-10 dollars and great inert substrate for your aquarium! I use it in 4 different planted aquariums and it always looks great!

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely look into it

Great video! I just subscribed😊 Are the less fine grain substrates easier to slope than the fine, or the other way around?

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

i would say the bigger the granule the steeper it can slope. which is why a lot of people put gravel under as a base layer if their aquascape calls for a steep incline

@covertbangaroo587

3 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics Thank you!

And it’s true. The slope was very difficult.

Great video. I went to tractor supply and sadly they only had slag

@everlastaquatics7048

Жыл бұрын

Black diamond is coal slag

@put_a_boot_in_yourazz

Жыл бұрын

Can you use slag?

Just rinse it out extremely thoroughly and depending on what type of plants and lighting you have you can certainly have plants in the substrate I've done it for many years.

What about adding black diamond to existing tank? I have two 5 gals with fluval but want to top it now. Is that a bad idea. Lol

I've used compose and play sand and black diamond,my tank it's turned yellow, 😪🙈in only two patches second water changed but hasn't made a difference. Help .. but I didn't use a magnet. So now what do I do next 🤔

Anyone know if this sandblasting sand is safe for Coryadoras? I know some substrates can damage their barbels.

I don’t know about hard to make slopes. I think once wet, it’s super easy to mold into shapes

I went with 40LB of Aqua Natural Galaxy Aquarium Sand to go on top of the Top Fin Black Sand I had bought, to me the Galaxy stuff looks just like the BDBS stuff you're describing lol

I definitely have metal bits in mine, every time I run the cleaning magnet through it picks up more and I’m worried if it affected my fish bc I had multiple tetras die

@ucallmeschnitzel

Жыл бұрын

it has up to 12% iron oxide according to the manufacturer sds sheet, so yeah about that amount you can remove with a magnet.

Does anyone else have some of their BDBS particles look greenish under their lights when up close to their tank?

Man ty for this, i have a TSO about 7 miles from me. They have the medium one and like you said it's 11 bucks after tax. I am going to start a 7.8 gal betta tank, using the aqueon shrimp tank kit , would it be wise to use their substrate (i think it's clay) under the BDBS to help with plants?

@Ed-527

Жыл бұрын

Does it say coal or slag in the middle of bag?

I've developed big and strong root systems with my plants only using blasting sand and root tabs. My corydoras will stick their faces in the sand when they sleep, so I assume they think it's pretty comfy.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

hell yeah

@santiznavarrete2999

3 жыл бұрын

Do yall think this would work for axolotls?

@thatboy3930

3 жыл бұрын

@@santiznavarrete2999 if you have a bigger axolotl it should be fine, if it's only a couple inches I would use slate or a really fine sand

Is the fine or medium the best. I can get either

I was gonna use it to cap organic garden soil instead of play sand just to change it up.

@GoneFishin-rn9hs

3 жыл бұрын

Play sand is very bad for tanks though! You’ll get tons of silica algae like diatoms from the leaching of the material

update: Jun 2021....sandbox still looks good. So good I've made another rectangular entrenchment with 2 Japanese Maples on both ends.... All thanks to you.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

that's sick - great to hear!!

Does anyone have like an ingredients that make up the black sand? that would help.

Northern Tool also has this.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

good to know!

Is this okay with cichlids who put the substrate in there mouth?

Great vid man. Will this be safe for my 55 gallon cichlid tank?

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

as long as you pick the right grit, i've seen many people successfully keep cichlids in a tank with BDBS

@melaniestout2929

2 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics fine grit ok ? It's the only grit my tractor supply had.

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

@@melaniestout2929 would advise against it imo. not worth the trouble and itll stay in the water column too easily

@melaniestout2929

2 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics I just double checked, says 20/40 grit. Is that a good grit? I have texas cichlids.

Is this safe for sand sifters Africans cichlids etc catfish just bought some seemed a little bit sharper than the pool sand I’m using right now

@shannonmcdonald1431

3 ай бұрын

Did you decide to use the sand? I have African cichlids and it being sharp concerns me. Thanks in advanced

what do you think about BDBS for african dwarf frogs? I'm worried it might be too coarse since they spend all their time on the bottom of the tank and often swallow sand while eating

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Jadie - unfortunately I cant speak to frogs directly but the closest analogue I can draw to are bottom dwellers like corys. I know BDBS has been used successfully in multiple cases with corys without issue to their barbels

@jadieevans9222

3 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics Thanks so much!! I really appreciate you responding as most people dont :)

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

don't even mention it, that's what I'm here for!

Try to buy it direct from maker of BDBS. They have plants and offices all over US.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

awesome tip, i'll definitely be checking this out myself!

Is black diamond blasting sand reef safe????

I wonder if my homemade UGF will suck this sand up

I'm getting a 225 gallon tank next week that is 6 feet wide and 2 feet deep. Based upon your experience, how many pounds should I buy of this sand?

@shannonwilkerson

Жыл бұрын

I've heard a pound per gallon is a solid start, so 4- 5 bags, unless you're adding something under it. In that case, adjust accordingly.

Is it safe for turtles?

oescheln farm and home carries it

I’m actually going for black water…I’m wondering if it’s safe to leave it cloudy,

@daniellex51484

11 ай бұрын

No

Will one bag be enough for a 29 gallon tank? Trying to achieve about a two inch depth. Thank you.

@Pharmaquatics

Жыл бұрын

1-2 bags should be good since a 29 gallon tank is similar to a 20 gallon long (which i've used in the past) in terms of foot print area

@darreldavis1

Жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics Thank you.

3:28 no that's exactly the reason I'm want cheap black sand in bulk. Anaerobic and Anoxic bacteria are just as important as the Aerobic bacteria in your filter.

Anybody else run into ph problems? I can't get my bdbs tank below 8.5?!

Cutie 😃

Would like to point out that the imagintarium black sand sold in petco is quite literally black diamond blasting sand in smaller bags and marked up

@happymom9255

10 ай бұрын

It’s actually silica based, just like pool filter sand. Not the same as BDBS

Is there any other way to get this product. It's not my phone because it's brand new and I have high-speed internet so it's not my connection. But their website is A B S O L U T E trash. Every time I try to click the button to change the quantity the site freezes. Every time I try to order, there's some thing in my way. Their website is just as trash as the Home Depot website. Yet I can't seem to find this product anywhere else. My local store does not carry it and I'm not going to drive 2 hours to the next store to get it. So I need to find a way to order it with a website that actually functions. That or a similarly priced alternative

Hey there! Nice job on your videos! I have a question. I’ve heard about many aquarium hobbyists using this for substrate. I’m about to start a 29 gallon, dirted, planted community aquarium which will include snails and shrimp. You said this is safe for snails. Do you have knowledge on this for shrimp? The research I’m doing refers to what everyone calls black diamond blasting sand, as actually black diamond blasting abrasive. The Black diamond site says it’s actually copper slag which is a by product of a metal refining process. We know what is said about copper and some of our aquarium inhabitants. I research everything before doing it. I just want to pick your brain to see what you think about this. I’ve seen your videos before. Keep up the good work!

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

can speak to personal experience on this - have had a couple tanks with shrimp and snails using this substrate and they’re thriving! can barely keep up with the growing populations

@connie6705

2 жыл бұрын

Great! Thank you for your quick reply and good luck with your KZread channel :)

Can I use this for goldfish?

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

for sure, as long as you use the coarser grit

Is there glass in your black diamond?

@Pharmaquatics

4 жыл бұрын

David Yates other than the rod-like granules, nope

Once you have a trumpet snail they're hard to get rid of. An invasive species IMO

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

point well taken! still an alternative to consistent sand turnover

@Keldrath

3 жыл бұрын

Would be hard to keep for me given the clown loaches lol

Do i get the fine or coarse diamond sand? Thxs

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

coarse imo

@vaindioux

2 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics Thanks a lot

Geophagus would be okay with this??

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

i know of one hobbyist who had problems with BDBS and their geophagus, i would advise against it just to be safe

What size are each grain of sand?

@Pharmaquatics

4 жыл бұрын

i use the 20/40 grit!

@Spark_Here

4 жыл бұрын

Pharmaquatics ty :D

@Ihh956

2 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics same here

Menards carries it as well 8 bucks a bag

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

don't have a menards near me but good to know for those browsing the comments!

What is it really? Volcanic or silica bases?

@BassManStrikes

Жыл бұрын

It's coal slag

Menards carries it

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

Don't have a menards by me but that's great info - thanks for sharing with the viewers!

You said Medium is 20/40 but the Fine grade on Amazon also says 20/40..

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

You can't usually find 20/40 in tractor supply stores to my knowledge, only 12/40 which is medium grit. but you may run into 30/60 which is extra fine. if you are ordering off amazon 20/40 would be okay. thanks for the clarification!

@GeorgeWPush

3 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics Amazon may not be correct...I still cannot find any more info about the two different grades the Tractor store carries (medium and fine)

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

Bourgeois Cyborg regardless of the nomenclature they attribute to the grits, as long as you are staying within the 12 to 40 grit range, you’ll be solid; avoid anything higher

@Ihh956

2 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics I just got the 20 40 at tractor supply last night.

is this sand safe for turtles?

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

i've read a couple times of people successfully keeping turtles in this substrate

@KlymatixTV

3 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics thanks. Id definitely need to get the fine sand because i cant have lil rocks with a turtle. Its safe for the fish because it doesnt release anything into the water..dont see how a turtle would change that.

@KlymatixTV

3 жыл бұрын

and i just found out i live 5 minutes from a tractor supply co

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

that's pretty clutch lol - let me know how it turns out bro

@RangerRick2012

3 жыл бұрын

I just happen to stumble across this video to see what are other's experiences with Turtles and I haven't found much.....But I can share from my experience...I've had the 20/40 Tractor supply so far for over a year with my Slider Turtle..along with Guppies, Plecos, minnows and snails...and SO FAR being over a year, everything is going ok.

I’ve heard of this substrate causing problems for corys, geophagus, and other sand sifting species. But ok for other fish.

@waterstrideryeah4172

2 жыл бұрын

Waterstrider Yeah 0 seconds ago I had heard this too, BUT I’ve kept a fire mouth in this that sifted every day and Plecos that even bred in it with no issues, so I don’t think it’s more then a rumor

I just spent like 60 for 50 lbs I could’ve drove 6 miles to spend 10 dollars mayne

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

that's tough my dude lol

10 bucks at tractor supply

just need black sand to fill in my sandbox for Japanese Aesthetic, nothing to do with fish tanks.

@Pharmaquatics

3 жыл бұрын

hell yeah

@jamesknight5860

3 жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics bro...if it weren't for you, I would have spent twice over...This was only by the guidance of The Lord, that I found your video. You sir proved a game changer. The sand box : simpliy beautiful like the very ring i put on my wife -Black Diamond. Thank you. It's just like The Lord to use details all things beautiful and echo meaningful things. Black diamond went a step further. Thank you Thank thank you. My name is James Knight, grateful believer in the conqueror of death and Sovereign God, Christ Jesus.

@sadcat520

3 жыл бұрын

What's your sandbox look like do you have a picture

@jamesknight5860

3 жыл бұрын

@@sadcat520 thanks for asking. First thing, is to determine how much square footage for digging and clearing the grass and weeds. You may think at first it's a lot of work. Don't keep your mind on that thought. Keep your mind fixed on staying motivated. Things like this are never a 'one night fix.' If ever it appears "if it's meant to be, then it's really up to me. Then conquer your fear on working with concrete. Lowe's Quickrete 60 lbs is best. I only had a garden hoe. It's one phenomenal tool for mixing, raking and can take a beating as well as give one. Visit a local second hand store for garden tools, or a local Dollar tree for tape measure. Then you can bring these measurements to Lowe's for TREATED WOOD to laydown your boundaries to mix the concrete and metal pegs. Determine how much treated wood planks you need for your borders. Check weather conditions when mixing concrete. Cool Days are ideal. One bag of 60 lbs Quickrete will cover a certain radius. Mixing Concrete: if you can get it to ideal appearance, kudos to you. But if not, it really isn't a big deal. KZread for how to mix concrete. After getting the concrete done, then you can start laying your sand down. Please consider a very large squeegee rake size. It's a reset tool. This whole journey : It is worth it. Just be sure your chosen sight doesn't have a tree hanging over. They tend to drop their seed on your work .

You don’t need to rinse this sand at all. It doesn’t cloud. All you get is some floaters. I’ve used this sand for years.

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

would have to heavily disagree, rinsing takes two seconds and if you watched the video there’s clearly a good amount of sediment that washes off

This man used any chance he could to say black diamond blasting sand

@Pharmaquatics

Жыл бұрын

black diamond blasting sand

@emanuellgustea122

Жыл бұрын

@@Pharmaquatics I will fight you 👊

Shit I got the fine sand 🤦‍♂️

Fun fact there’s metal found in rocks. Sand is made of rocks…

@ac304104

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, that's totally comparable to sharp bits of iron.

@fullofmuscledownunde

2 ай бұрын

@@ac304104there’s iron in all sand lol

if you don't live in the united states... just buy normal substrate because it doesn't cost an arm and a leg in east asia or europe like it does in the us.

It looks unnatural.

@Pharmaquatics

2 жыл бұрын

to each their own :)