color of pool filter sand...
 

Found some play sand and pool filter sand and they both seem tan to me. Does PFS turn white once in the tank? I know that's one of the reasons some go with play sand. I don't want to go through trouble of washing play sand if the PFS is basically same color. Another question is do either affect ph levels

kind of torn right now between play sand and PFS

i have pool filter sand in my tank and love it its more of a light tan and looks almost natural but it still needs to be washed just not as much as play sand

Rather than deciding on substrate on the basis of how much initial rinsing is required, decide on the basis of the fish that have to live over it.

The initial brightness of the substrate is important, as is the level of light, and the decor: the more wood and dark rock and plants including floating, the less light reflects from the substrate.

The intended fish species to be housed in the aquarium is the point at which to start. I use playsand because it satisfies this requirement, plus the bonus--it is very inexpensive. I did my 5-foot 115g on $14.