Instead of the more expensive sands and other substrates at the fish store, go to your local hardware store. For natural sand use play sand, for black sand, use black sandblasting sand, for white sand use white pool filter sand. Silicates should be avoided but otherwise these sands work for freshwater or saltwater tanks and infinitely cheaper. It might work for reptile tanks but I don't know about that. Substrates at the fish store are between $15-$20 for 20-25 pounds. Sand at the hardware store cost between $2-$5 for 50 pounds.
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