ADA Colorado Sand
Warm reddish cosmetic sand — natural contrast & zero water impact
Product Overview
ADA Colorado Sand is part of ADA’s Cosmetic Sand line. It is a natural reddish / warm-toned sand intended for decorative use in planted aquaria and aquascapes. ADA describes it as a cosmetic sand that “does not affect water quality.”
It’s ideal when you want a soft, earthy foreground or accent layer that brings out the greenery of plants while staying water-neutral.
Key Features & Benefits
Chemically inert / neutral
Colorado Sand does not alter pH, hardness (GH/KH), or other water parameters — making it safe even in sensitive setups.
Natural warm color
The reddish-beige tones enhance contrast with green plants, wood, and rocks, giving a more natural, soft aesthetic.
Fine grain size
Grain size is less than 3 mm.
This helps it appear smooth and uniform without being overly fine.
Cosmetic / decorative flexibility
Because it’s a cosmetic sand, it’s especially useful as a top layer or foreground layer, accent path, or “riverbed” effect. It can also be used in Wabi-Kusa or shallow layouts.
Available in practical pack sizes
Offered in 2 kg and 8 kg packs.
Use & Application Guidelines
Pre-rinsing
Rinse thoroughly before use to remove dust and fine particles.
Layering / placement
Best used as a thin cap or decorative layer rather than the primary nutrient substrate.
Can be spread over darker soil or base layers to soften contrast or protect root tips during maintenance.
In very shallow tanks or Wabi-Kusa, Colorado Sand alone (thin) can serve as the visible substrate.
Avoid deep compaction
Because the grains are fine, very deep layers may compact. Stick to moderate thicknesses for stability.
Maintenance
Gentle vacuuming of surface debris is acceptable.
Avoid disturbing the bottom heavily — fine sands can shift or cloud easily.
Ideal Use Scenarios
Foreground or accent zones in planted tanks
Decorative “pathways” or riverbed layouts
Tanks aiming for a soft, earthy aesthetic
Shallow or nano aquariums and Wabi-Kusa setups
In systems that require strict water neutrality (softwater, biotopes)

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