Inexpensive BLACK sand... does it exist?

[terd ferguson]

Wow thanks this looks perfect.

No problem. Just be sure to post pics when you get it set up.

 

[ras irie]

So we all know that we can get 50-60lb bags of sand from home depot for relatively cheap ($5 or so)... but how about BLACK sand??

I have a 125gallon Im considering re-doing in BLACK sand... but the only black sand ive ever used is made by an aquarium company and costs $15 per 25lbs.... it would be rather expensive for me to do an entire 125gallon...

so where is some black sand readily available for cheap???

Come to Hawai'i, on the Big Island. Get a couple of black sand beaches, but it's actually really fine crushed lava. Watch out though, you may get bad luck for taking some of it.

 

[landmineyouth]

^ yes that seems very cost effective, good idea!!!! ..... not

 

[laura65536]

I would like to know where you can get the samples of this, I looked on 3m's site and didn't see samples. Actually all I saw was colorquartz crystals, is that the same thing? I'd like to use this in my big tank we're building, but I want to be able to get the right blend, so samples would be perfect.

 

[crashinc25]

I heard of samples being available, but didn't even bother to try to get any. Here's the deal. The "S" grade is about as fine as sand. They are uniform sized crystals. The black is really really black and any color mix will render the black much lighter than you intended. I mixed 1 bag of black with a 1/4 bag of sand and it was basically the sand color with black flecks. Blending should be reserved for the browns and tans. Actually, most of the places that sell these 3M Colorquartz crystals have recommended blends for pools.