What kind of sand do you guys think I should get?

I don't really have the money for agroganite sand right now so I was just going to use the play sand from Lowes or Ace Hardware, people on here say they have not had any problems with it and my friend with discus uses it to. It is called Quikrete Play Sand here is the link http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2041963

 

play sand is usable, but I don't think it buffers like argonite and it gets rock hard over time.

 

I am using a 30 gallon tank so I would assume a 20lb bag of the agroganite would suffice?

 

yes unless your doing a deep sand bed, sand is really there for the looks and a little extra habitat for creatures(I am glossing over some of the benefits of it). I like mine less then a inch deep.

 

I am planning on having snails and shrimp so I am thinking about a 3 inch sand bed

 

I don't think 20lb will give you 3 inches, but you don't need a 3 inch sand bed for inverts

 

anyone know if this sand fizzles with vinegar?

 

My friend is currently using sand he bought from a pool store. Do you guys think this would be okay, he and his friend have been using it in there freshwater tanks and both keep discus.

 

dont know any brand name? I guess if vinegar fizzles with the sand thats a good sign.

 

hate to be that guy but here it goes. If money is too tight to by 30-40 bucks worth of sand this might be the wrong hobby. Do you have lights and a skimmer yet? Your going to spend about 300 on them, plus another 100+ on base rock. Also you can't use tap water so your going to need an RO source...the list is endless...........