Sand

[Jen]

I found some sand at home depot the brand is unimin it's a silica sand and it says industrial quartz. Anyone know if this would be safe to use in my tanks? The only warning on the bag is not to inhale it.

 

[paOol]

go for play sand.
or pool filter sand. i think silica would work, as its used in pools, but im not positive.

 

[DeLgAdO]

silica sand is not good for a ray tank

it irritates there bottoms

and can lead to infection

otherwise id say its pretty safe

 

[evil_monkey]

I would just go with pool filter sand, looks good and is safe.

 

[guppy]

Most sands are mainly silica, the problem with industrial sand is the granules are fresh and sharp edged, this is hard on burrowing scaleless fish. Other than that it should be fine.

 

[Jen]

How is the pool filter sand labeled? Do the stores carry it this time of year?

 

[rallysman]

I get it at hardware stores year round. Just ask for pool filter sand...thats how its labeled. I think it looks great, and doesnt need to be rinsed. $5 or $6 should get you 50lbs.

example:

 

[Ash]

is pool filter sand hard to clean oqr wheqn you clean out your tank does it start floating everywhere?? I have sand and it feels like it came from the beach it's aquarium safe but not really cheap, it looks nice though. hmm.

 

[rallysman]

mine may float up a little, but will settle in less than a minute.

 

[rumblesushi]

I safe is beach sand? There is a sandy beach just 2 mins from me, fairly nice bright looking sand too.

Would this alter the PH?

Even if boiled etc - would this contain harmful substances etc?

The beach is northern Spain btw.