Aquarium Sand

A natural‐looking base for tropical and coldwater tanks

Sand is one of the most popular choices for a fish tank floor. It looks natural, is gentle on delicate fish, and comes in a wide range of colours and grain sizes, perfect for most fish including sand‐sifting catfish and cichlids.

What is aquarium sand?

Aquarium sand is a fine‐grain substrate made from crushed rock, quartz, or is naturally sourced. The grain size is much finer than gravel, so the substrate sits as a smooth and even layer. Sand ranges from fine to coarse, and from inert types that have no effect on your water to types that dissolve to buffer it.

Why should I buy sand for my fish tank?

Sand isn't just for decoration, it encourages natural behaviour in fish. Many bottom‐dwellers sift through it for food, and the fine grain is soft on barbels and fins. Sand also keeps uneaten food on the surface, preventing it being lost between larger stones, so waste is easy to spot and siphon away. Many sands also show off the colour of your fish and plants, providing a beautiful contrast.

What should I look for?

Start with your fish. Sand-sifting bottom-dwellers need a fine, smooth sand, while coarser sand is less likely to compact and allows wate to move through the layer. Make sure to check the type of sand, as inert sand will not affect your water chemistry, but aragonite will raise pH and hardness. Choose a colour that suits your fish and plants, remembering that dark sand makes colours stand out, but it can be more challenging to spot waste.

Rinse your sand thoroughly to remove dust before adding it to your tank to prevent cloudiness. Our guide explains how to clean aquarium sand. Keep the layer fairly shallow as deep layers may trap waste. Use our aquarium substrate calculator to work out how much you need.

What else will I need?

Sand is one of several options available for your aquarium floor, so you may want to browse all of our aquarium substrates to choose the best fit for your tank. Then you can begin picking out your aquarium decor and plants to match.

Not sure which to choose? Try reading our guide to the best aquarium substrate.

Looking for something else?

For saltwater tanks, try browsing our selection of marine substrates.