Sand from ocean beaches in aquariums

[archieaxe]

Does anyone have experience with using sand from an ocean beach for their aquarium? I like the (obviously) realistic look and it seems like it would provide some buffering to a hard water freshwater tank. The areas I have locally are clean: Puget Sound, Port Angeles, San Jaun and Gulf Islands, WA.

Any pros and cons people have experienced? Legal bumps or issues?

Thanks

J

 

[boldtogether]

Soak it good. Very fine sand can damage filters but otherwise no prob to use in your tank. Soak it good and flush it even better.
BTW...legally you cant remove from a state park any part of the ecco-system so you could get a frown from a life guard or a park ranger. Or, you could go to a private beach and ask for permission...I dont think your going to have any issues...I never have. Just dont back a dump truck up to the beach!!

 

[Toby_H]

As mentioned, fine sands are easily stirred into the water column and sucked into filters where they can cause damage. Using locally collected sand gives you no limitation on the range in sand particles. Pool Filter Sand on the other hand has the fines already removed thus protecting your filters.

Unfortunately, pollution is also a concern we have to consider. You are much more familiar with your local ecosystem and would know how much of a concern pollution in your area is.

Unwanted living organisms is a very slight concern. 'Bugs' tht would thrive in the saltwater conditions would not thrive in the freshwater conditions... but there are any number of bacteria and fungi that could transfer over in the sand.


So you could do it... but since Pool Filter Sand is arond $8 per 50 pounds and doesn't come with any of the above mentioned risks, I highly suggest simply using it....