Blasting sand users

[james99]

Has anyone had any first hand experiences with black diamond blasting sand over a long period? I've seen a few short posts all over the internet about using it, but no follow up. I've seen everything from it works great to its too sharp and can damage bottom feeders and shifters.

 

[BIG-G]

I’ve had black diamond in three of my tanks with geos and corydoras without any problems.
One tank has been setup for five years with it.
I use it in a planted tank as well.

 

[BIG-G]

Here’s a pic of one tank that’s had l024 and clown loaches for a year or two.

 

[twentyleagues]

Ive used it off and on for a really long time with lots of different fish. And no real issues I could see. I had/have it in with my geo topajo hes fine with it.

 

[james99]

That's good too hear. I've been looking for first hand experiences. Guess I'll head out and start washing mine. Any tips on that? I normally just dump pool filter sand in without washing and it has very little cloudiness.

 

[BIG-G]

Since this is coal slag it will have an oily residue at first also some will float and they may be some extra fine dust.
I place mine in a five gallon bucket and rinse with hose till I’m satisfied.

 

[james99]

Since this is coal slag it will have an oily residue at first also some will float and they may be some extra fine dust.
I place mine in a five gallon bucket and rinse with hose till I’m satisfied.

That's the plan. Did you bother running a magnet around to catch an bigger metal pieces? I saw a guy on youtube recommend doing so.

 

[BIG-G]

No I didn’t.
Like I say I’ve had this in some of my tanks for about five years. I didn’t know that could be an issue.
If you think metal may be in it then I would try it, see if you get anything.

 

[twentyleagues]

That's the plan. Did you bother running a magnet around to catch an bigger metal pieces? I saw a guy on youtube recommend doing so.

Ive got a half bag of unused I just tried it on. I got some fine dust no "big" pieces stuck to the magnet.

 

[james99]

Ive got a half bag of unused I just tried it on. I got some fine dust no "big" pieces stuck to the magnet.

Cool. I might run one through for fun.