I think some people use 3m colorquartz. I believe it is cheaper than most black aquarium sands. It does not buffer either. Google it, they have alot of diffrent colors.
I only use Estes reef sand in my tanks.....it says on the bag for use in freshwater too though.......My poly's seem to love it and its real easy to use......not to exspensive either around here $1.39 for a 5 pound bag.........