pool filter sand?

[Bsixxx]

Is pool filter sand safe to use in a saltwater tank? Just wondering cause it is silica based. Want something other then white. I think it's dull and boring. want to try something new so thinking poolfilter sand or that tahatin black sand. I think it's also silica based. Need answers asap.

Its for a FOWLR tank no coral or anything else just fish.
thanks in advanced.

 

[Wiggles92]

Based on what I have read and from experience, I wouldn't use anything that's silica-based and not sealed; if it's sealed then it should be fine. Otherwise, just stick with aragonite in order to avoid any algae/diatom/etc. problems that will result from uses a silica-based substrate.

 

[reptileguy2727]

Ditto. No PFS. I use Estes' Ultra Reef sand which is silica based but does have a polymer coating to prevent the brown algae problems that other silica sands can cause. It also comes in multiple colors. I have solid black as the substrate in my reef.

 

[Bsixxx]

But other than algea its fine right? I'll only have fish in the tank...

 

[Wiggles92]

But other than algea its fine right? I'll only have fish in the tank...

If you want algae, diatoms, and other "fun" stuff everywhere, then it's fine; otherwise, it's best to avoid those substrates, especially the non-buffering ones. You'll have to buffer the water frequently in order to maintain the proper pH and other stuff, so you might want to consider getting some of the sealed stuff and some aragonite then concealing the aragonite with the sealed stuff.

 

[FLESHY]

Haha +1

You never want "fun" stuff.

Plus it isnt going to be as easy to clean, will get blown everywhere...and if you believe the whole buffering capacity thing..you wont be getting that either with PFS.