In need of opinions on inexpensive (but good) substrate

[TigglesMcPiggles]

I'm about to upgrade from a 20 gallon tank to a 200 gallon (big jump I know but I'm about to go rescue 5+ little guys from a store that is very abusive) and I can't really afford that much eco earth. I buy the bags of it and they're 11 bucks a bag. A bag and a half only fills my twenty gallon half way if that. Opinions on play sand? It seems to be pretty cheap but I need some pros and cons. I also need to buy a bunch of decoration so for it. My little one is pretty bare but I didn't wanna spend all my cash on a temp tank. The reason I'm getting such a big one is because I've been looking for months and it's all I've come up with for sale. Please don't judge I just need to know some good cheaper substrate that'll last a long time. I've had my current ones for almost 2 years.

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[TigglesMcPiggles]

(Current ones meaning hermies)

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[KayedeeLove<3]

Tip: Don't buy the 'bags' of eco earth buy the 'bricks'

Petsmart has a 3 brick pack that has instructions on how to prepare it. It comes SUPER compressed and goes a LONG way. I think i paid 12-11 bucks. They sell the bricks singularly also.

If you go to home depot the cheapest brand of play sand is 3$ a bag. Its the blue bag not the green and its brand is sakrete.

I've used a mix of both successfully! Good luck hope to see many pics!!!

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[KayedeeLove<3]

Also, many people on here believe if you do 5 parts sand 1 part eco earth the crabitat will decompose and handle all of its own cleaning needs... Most senior crabbers rarely deep clean (turn or replace sub). Maybe once a year or in case of an emergency!

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[TigglesMcPiggles]

Also, many people on here believe if you do 5 parts sand 1 part eco earth the crabitat will decompose and handle all of its own cleaning needs... Most senior crabbers rarely deep clean (turn or replace sub). Maybe once a year or in case of an emergency!

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Thank you so much! I'll look into the compressed stuff and the play sand as well

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[Hdale85]

You probably need at least 400lbs of sand and 2 of the 3 block packs of eco earth, but even then you're only talking 60 bucks or so, really not that bad for such a large tank.

[CallaLily]

Play sand. Cheap and perfectly safe substrate. You can mix in some cocofiber too if you like.

[TigglesMcPiggles]

You probably need at least 400lbs of sand and 2 of the 3 block packs of eco earth, but even then you're only talking 60 bucks or so, really not that bad for such a large tank.

That's really helpful thank you so so much

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[TigglesMcPiggles]

Play sand. Cheap and perfectly safe substrate. You can mix in some cocofiber too if you like.

Thank you! Xx

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[Kermie16]

Wow! So jealous!! Good options for decorations would be dollar store and we also get coupons for Michaels Would love to see pics when everything is said and done!! Also of the new hermies!

[littletechcrab]

I use only play sand, I like quickrete brand play sand. Lowe's use to carry it but not this year. I found it at my local hardware store for about 4 bucks a 50# bag. It is a red and green bag. Very clean and nice texture. I have had good luck with it.

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