I've never heard of using pool filter sand till lately and was wondering if that is a good route to go for substrate because it's cheaper. Does anyone use it in their Cichlid tank?

I have PFS in all 31 of my tanks

yea

Sure is!

You can use other substrates mixed in depending if you need a buffering capacity for your tap waters PH or not.

That's what I use, just remember to wash it and wash it and wash it, etc.... until it runs clear. Then you won't have a cloudy tank to deal with. I fill a 5gal bucket about 1/3 full of sand then use the hose to rinse.

Awesome, I might pick some up this weekend and get my new tank going! Any specific brands?

I use it too in most of my tanks!I get mine at home depot for like $6 for a 50lb bag.Its pavestone brand there.

it works, just keep up with the water changes because of the silic in the sand..

I use it as well. It is hard to find some that is really white...but it still looks nice. I think it does have a tendency to promote diatoms and brown algae since it is silica sand. The best sand I have found is estes ultra reef white but hardly any stores carry it and it comes in small packages that tend to be expensive.

hpmedepot has got sand as well, about 2$ per 50lbs. just make sure to always read the labels for any toxic chems and such

Thanks for all the input! I can't wait to get the new tank up and running. I'm also curious if it would work in saltwater tanks as well. I don't own any but could you use it?

I bought a bag of PFS today from home depot. I also bought a bag of crushed coral and I was wondering if it was ok to mix them together to help with buffering?