Using sand from a local lake

[gangster]

I went down to one of the local Lake Tahoe beaches yesterday. And I notice the sand at this beach would like killer in a tank(s). What do I need to do to make this work? Do I have to sterilize it or what?

Ohh....it looks dope...tan, white and black pebbles....looks ohhh soooo good. Really fine too.

 

[ozz465]

Sterilize it , place it in a pan and bake it for an hour or 2.

 

[gangster]

if im doin that it will take days.`,..what bout filln a tub with hotttt water.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Sterilize it , place it in a pan and bake it for an hour or 2.

Good advice!!!!!

 

[ozz465]

if im doin that it will take days.`,..what bout filln a tub with hotttt water.

maybe boiling water but id go with the baking , just safer.

 

[rnocera]

I agree- baking or boiling is in order. Just hot water won't sterilize it.

In reptile cages I generally bake things from outdoors for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. It's always worked for me, and I'd think that'd be fine for fish as well.

 

[Noto]

You don't have to sterilize it. There is a passing risk of pathogen or parasite transmission, but it is very small. I would just wash it until the rinse water runs clear and put it in the tank.

 

[ozz465]

You don't have to sterilize it. There is a passing risk of pathogen or parasite transmission, but it is very small. I would just wash it until the rinse water runs clear and put it in the tank.

But why take any risk at all?? rinse it very well and sterilize it . best to be overly careful than regret it later.

 

[the_deeb]

I agree with Noto - just wash it.

Why the insistence on sterilizing it? What exactly are you trying to eliminate? It's going into a fish tank not a vat of sterile tissue culture media.

IMO the biggest concern is potential chemical pollutants from the lake so washing it well is more important than attempts at sterilization. The only biological contaminants I might worry about are inverts and hot water should be adequate to get rid of them.

While it's nice not to take risks at some point of have to weigh the risk vs. the inconvenience of eliminating it.

 

[OnceLoyal]

Some chemicals would also brak down in heat and render them safe. I would still heater up. I don't think it would be any more inconvenience than washing it. Just a little more time