![]() BDBS Is Not The Best Option For A Planted Aquarium This action will ensure that the residue is vacuumed efficiently while the sand remains put. But there shouldn’t be an issue if you use the medium grit variant.Īlso, we suggest vacuuming BDBS by holding the siphon at an angle and kinking the attached hose before releasing it between suctions. Vacuuming any type of sand is a Herculean task, and BDBS is no different. And in case you’re wondering, BDBS is 100% safe for snails. Or, you can add trumpet snails to the tank. However, you can avoid this situation by steering clear of finer grit BDBS. Risk Of Anaerobic Pocket Build-upĪlthough the possibility of anaerobic pocket build-ups is rare, BDBS is not immune to the risk. ![]() Or, you can use a different substrate underneath BDBS to secure the layer. However, you can DIY your way through this by using a hardscape to stiffen the BDBS structure. If you wish to create steep structures out of the substrate, BDBS may not be an ideal pick as it tends to shift and slide. What Are The Cons To Using Black Blasting Sand?Ī post shared by MalawiCichlidShawdy Difficult To Create A Slope For High-inclined Aquascapes Notably, many hobbyists have even tackled this so-called “new tank syndrome” by opting for BDBS as the new aquarium substrate. No Diatom BloomsĪ diatom bloom is the most common occurrence that fishkeepers have experienced when getting a new tank or after a major water/substrate change.īut thanks to the 0.1% of free silica in the formula, there have been no reported instances of diatom blooms caused by BDBS. However, if you’ve got large fish in the tank, this variant may end up clouding the tank.Īlso, anything finer than that, like the 40-80 ultra-fine grit, is a major no-no as it floats in the water column, making it dusty and difficult to vacuum. If you want something finer, check out the 30-60 fine grit BDBS. ![]() Most fishkeepers opt for the 20-40 medium grit as it settles on the bottom and looks like regular sand. VersatileīDBS is available in various textures, so you can definitely find something that would suit your fishkeeping requirements. On the other hand, most fishkeepers agree that the color difference is not noticeable, and either way, BDBS manages to look stunning in an aquarium. If you look closely, the substrate is actually rust-like, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, you should note that BDBS is not entirely black. Additionally, BDBS boasts a shining texture, so it earns brownie points in the looks department! AestheticĪdmit it- nothing looks better than a black backdrop for your colorful fishes to play around with. Plus, it is low dusting and marginally water-soluble, so it is completely safe for your fish buddies. The brand Black Diamond, specifically, does not mix any chemicals in the substrate. This blasting sand does not contain any more than 0.1% of free crystalline silica, making it chemically inert. Although the price may vary according to the outlet, it still provides a lot more value for money.Īnd while there are cheaper substitutes on the market, if you’re looking for the aesthetically pleasing black color, nothing beats BDBS. However, you can get your hands on a 50 lb bag of BDBS for $8-10. If you’ve been fishkeeping for some time now, you must have realized that commercial aquarium substrates are expensive. However, it is not completely black! More about that in the later sections… Affordable So, naturally, BDBS is predominantly black in color. The coal slag is then cooled down and allowed to solidify. So, it is no secret that it is a tried and tested alternative for the oh-so-expensive aquarium substrate! What Are The Pros Of Using Black Blasting Sand?īDBS is typically made of coal, which is “fired” at extremely high temperatures. So, even sensitive fish like corydoras or freshwater eels that like hiding beneath the substrate can survive and thrive in an aquarium lined with BDBS.Īnd if that doesn’t convince you- tons of experienced fish keepers and hobbyists have been using BDBS in various types of fish tanks. If you are concerned about the sharpness, BDBS is just as hard and coarse as any other sand out there. So, rest assured that using BDBS will neither cause water parameter swings nor harm your fish. The coal slag does not contain any toxic substances, making it chemically inert. Is Black Diamond Blasting Sand Safe?ĭespite its abrasive nature that makes it suitable for sandblasting, BDBS is completely safe for your fish friends! However, since it contains less than 0.1% free silicates, BDBS can double up as an affordable aquarium substrate. 7) Final Thoughts What Is Black Diamond Blasting Sand, And What Is It Made Of?īlack Diamond Blasting Sand (BDBS) is the recycled version of coal slag or boiler slag, primarily used in sandblasting projects.
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