Sand from the Beach? for a freshwater tank?

[ArcherintheBimmer]

If you want some nice cheap clean sand, use sandblasting sand. Sold at most hardware stores in 50-80lb bags for less than $10. I did this in some freshwater aquariums a few years ago. It is very clean and probably only needs one quick rinse to be totally clean. It is a nice white color and looks great! Something to look into.

 

[ilovearowanas]

If you want some nice cheap clean sand, use sandblasting sand. Sold at most hardware stores in 50-80lb bags for less than $10. I did this in some freshwater aquariums a few years ago. It is very clean and probably only needs one quick rinse to be totally clean. It is a nice white color and looks great! Something to look into.

hey alright thanks.
that helps.
ill check on that next time i go to a hardware store.
hopefully soon, so i can start my tank

 

[sixftsam]

I'd be cautious of using beach sand. You may find there are invisible contaminants in there such as oil etc, or worse. Some of these arent visable, but may be there in trace amounts, and depending on the amount put into the tank, they could cause problems.

In my personal opinion, its not worth the risk. Buy something you know is safe for $10 rather than something your not sure about for free, but risk costing you a lot more money in the long run.

Call me cautious, but id rather be safe than sorry.