Aqua Natural Sugar White Aquarium Sand

Aqua Natural Sugar White Sand is a natural aquarium sand with an off-white sugar color. It is triple washed and kiln dried, with a 0.5 – 1mm grain size. It comes in 10lb and 20lb bags. Aqua Natural also sells Galaxy Sand, a fine black sand, and Delta Sand in 10lb bags as color alternatives.

Grain size

At 0.5 to 1mm, the grains are fine enough for sand-sifting fish like corydoras and loaches to dig through, but dense enough that they do not blow around in normal filter flow. Aqua Natural says it has zero fines, so it should clear quickly.

Sourcing

Sugar White is sustainably sourced under license in New Zealand and is 100% natural sand with no toxins or foreign matter.

Look

The off-white color brightens a tank and makes green plants and dark wood stand out. Note that light sand shows waste and algae more clearly, so plan to gently stir or vacuum the top regularly.

Plants in sand

Sand is inert, so heavy root feeders need help. Push root tabs such as Seachem Flourish Tabs under swords and cryptocorynes. Epiphytes like anubias and java fern grow on wood and rock and do not mind the sand.

Depth and amount

1 to 2 inches is plenty for most fish-only tanks. Deeper sand beds can trap waste, so if you go deeper, add burrowing snails or stir it during water changes. A 10lb bag covers a small tank at a shallow depth; larger tanks need the 20lb bag or more.

Other uses

It also suits vivariums and terrariums.

Maintenance

• Hover a gravel vacuum just above the surface to lift waste without sucking up sand.
• Rinse briefly before use even if it is pre-washed.
• Stir occasionally to stop gas pockets in deep areas.

For a darker natural option, see Seachem Flourite Black Sand.