Silica Sand

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sam_everist

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Apr 26, 2012
421
1
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Hertfordshire, UK
Hi All,

I was just reading some of the stickies (through boredome more than anything) and came across a bit that said "Use non silica sand"

I have silica sand in my tank with 2 x Motoro's whats the dangers?

Thanks

Sam
 
sam_everist said:
Hi All,

I was just reading some of the stickies (through boredome more than anything) and came across a bit that said "Use non silica sand"

I have silica sand in my tank with 2 x Motoro's whats the dangers?

Thanks

Sam
Click to expand...


it is fine, the stickies are a little out dated :)
People use to be scared of it for abrasions reasons... lots of ray guys use it with no harm.
 
The jury is still 'out' on this one.
Silica sand has sone of the sharpest crystals there are. It is also very fine.
This type of sand rises up into the water column too easily when disturbed, which can seriously damage filter impellers etc.
It was also hypothesized that as it causes serious to fatal respiratory diseases etc ( silicosis ) in humans , perhaps it can also be an irritant to rays gills and spiracles, as they spend a lot of time either buried in it or foraging/blowing through it.
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/crystalline-factsheet.pdf
It has been pointed out that there is a lot of silica sand in the Amazon, but in the wild if the ray is uncomfortable it can swim away, but not so in an aquarium.
It may or may not be unhealthy for rays, but as there are plenty of 'ray-safe' sand types readily available for similar cost, why risk it?
 
My sister has play sand in her tank from Home Depot. It is very fine and does rise up into the water easily is this Silica Sand? Also what would Pool Filter Sand be classified as? I will be getting a ray in the future and currently have black sand that is meant for aquariums. I want to add some more cheaper sand because the black was very expensive and rays need a thick layer. What should I add? Play Sand or Pool Filter Sand?


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Its very sharp! Rub some wet silica sand in between your hands! Better yet on your belly!

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Silica sand may be ok for small rays but once they grow past 10" you will be pulling loads of it out of you sump or canister filters

I put over 250 lb of it in my tank it went down very fast so I took it out when I removed it I had 75lb in my sump

I know you can get different sizes but its to light weight and also seams to stick to the rays disk more

Just my opinion


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