Using Black And White Sand In Your Aquarium
Probably the best part for many people is to design their aquarium in unique ways, in this case experimenting with different colors of sand. While many people focus on picking out aquatic plants and underwater decor, some people don’t really consider using two different colors of sand, even though it can improve the tank’s aesthetic as well.
Investing in sand that’s designed for fish tanks is always the best choice. There’s practically no difference between colored and “normal” sand! Although if you’re still feeling hesitant about brightening up your aquarium by using different colors of sand, here’s the lowdown on mixing black and white colored sand and how to use it:
White Aquarium Sand
White aquarium sand is stylish and can give a minimal aesthetic no matter what types of fish or flora live you decide to put in your tank. White sand offers a simple and clean aesthetic that will make unique fish varieties pop. Light-colored sand also reflects light extremely well, making an aquarium look bright and sparkly.
If you’re interested in an all-natural substrate, then white sand is a great option. White sand is relatively easy to source and often made without dyes or colorants. Although, keep in mind that white sand does need more frequent cleaning!
Black Aquarium Sand
Black aquarium sand is surprisingly beautiful when it has been used in an average fresh or saltwater tank. Black sand like white sand creates a neutral backdrop that still creates plenty of contrast against your favorite fish. If your tank includes coral species, then black sand is practically a must!
While aquarium-safe sand can come in all colors, black sand can be a great option if you want a colored substrate that doesn’t rely on dyes.
Mixing White And Black Sand In An Aquarium
The good news is that you can mix black and white sand within a single fish tank. A mix of black and white sand can be a great way to create a unique pattern at the bottom of your aquarium! The only problem is if you want to keep one side of the tank with white sand and the other side with black sand, the two colors will mix together over time (even when using a substrate barrier), as it’s pretty much impossible to keep them from mixing.
Is Black And White Colored Aquarium Sand Safe?
Yes, black and white colored aquarium sand is perfectly safe! Although it doesn’t mean ALL colored sand is okay to use in an aquarium.
Make sure that your chosen sand is labelled safe for aquariums and fish. Generally, any sand available at pet or aquarium retailers should be appropriate.
How Is Black And White Colored Sand Made?
Colored sand that are natural colors like black, white, or brown may be made by grinding down specific minerals of that color. Although, most colored sands are created by bonding colourants to regular sand particles with heat.
Colored sand that’s aquarium-safe is specifically tested to ensure this bond will hold up in an underwater environment. So, there’s no need to worry about potential color leaching into the water or flaking off in your aquarium.
Is There Any Sand Color That’s Better For Aquatic Plants?
Any color of sand that’s safe for general aquarium use will be beneficial for aquatic plants! There’s no particular color that’s better or worse for plant health.
