Anyone Use Lowes Play Sand

onehundred20

onehundred20

In Memoriam
Looking to go back to sand since BB isnt doing it anymore, anyone know what kind of sand is best for a DSB, how is the lowes playsand, is it silica based
 
I've used it in FW tanks a bunch with no problems. I think the silica thing is a myth. There was a study I read about that showed silica play sand to be good for a dsb and good grain size for critters to live in. I can't remember the details but info is around here on RC somewhere.

But then I still went to the considerable trouble of finding aragonite sand...

There was a group over in Melbourne or somewhere that was getting southdown/oldecastle transferred in to their Home Depot. There are some threads about that you could dig up too.
 
Only problem ive heard is at first it can cause diatoms to pop up once it settles in.....What about regular Caribsea argonite, is this suitable for dsb cause the grain size is usually larger.
 
I use it. The only reason diatoms would pop up is if excess silicates. If I recall according to Randy, silicates in your water doesn't really cause those blooms anyway. There was a test where it was added manually and nothing happened.

Also for silicates to come from your sand, it would have to break down the sand. Chance of that happening is the same as your glass breaking down since it is also made of silicates.

Also, it has been said by such experts that silicate sand actually provides a more diverse life in the sand which creates a more effective ecosystem.

Bottom line: I believe both work. I personally choose based on the color and I like the ultra white which was the quikcrete from lowes.
 
Silicates alone wont fuel a bloom, but add some ammonia and whamo! diatoms. :) Very typical environment for a new tank. I am currently using the silica based play sand for seagrass tanks and have no complaints. My nano reef also has it, the gobies love sifting it. No diatoms, but I typically overfilter my water.

>Sarah
 
Samala, is this the "playsand" from Lowes (which in my area is Quikcrete) or from HD (which is sakcrete).
And what's the general consensus (if such a thing exists) on rinsing the play sand?
 
The quikcrete I just saw (like 10 minutes ago) at my Lowes (in Lakeland) was called "Premium Play Sand." It was not white, but more of a tan color...I've not bee able to find any of the ultra-white sand at Lowes anyways...
Now, for me, the color is fine and as soon as I can get some idea about whether it should be rinsed (and what's the best way to do that), I'll probably buy it - it was like $4.00/bag.
 
awsome, anyone know what name the sand is that is white...also what depth should I make my sand bed for a 120, I was thinking 4"
 
i just got done putting the lowes sand in my 120-i used 3 bags and then topped it off with some of the coarser aragonite.Yes i did rinse it ,and once it's in your tank it looks alot whiter than when you see it in the bag.
 
Thanks, Greg...good idea on the aragonite...which kind did you use? I've been looking for the CaribSea's Aragamax Select, but can't seem to find it locally...
 
I rinsed mine in big buckets. I can't recall the sand name but I'm sure it was at lowes and it was ultra white. They might of changed it out. The brand was quikcrete though and I believe it was ultra fine sand.
 
jay...as stupid as this sounds, did you then let it dry out before putting it in your new tank? or does that really matter - I know it's going to get wet eventually (duh), but for placement, it would seem to be easier if it was dried.
 
i used CaribSea Seaflor Super Reef Sand-i think you can find it at the aquarium by apopka or the place off 434-can't remember the name of the store-the owner can be a little rude but still the cheapest place to buy a new tank in orlando.
 
Thanks Greg...that's the kind I recently saw at a local LFS...however they wanted $35.00/bag for the stuff - yikes....that's when I began looking online, but the shipping is beastly - one place was $165/shipping - yikes again....Lowes is looking better all the time.
 
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