Beach Sand/Shells

[SoulFish]

I live in Tampa Florida, and trying to save a few bucks when building my 190 gallon reef. I am wondering if it's ok to use crushed beach shell and sand mix instead of purchasing sand. It seems weird to me to buy sand when I live so close to south Florida.

I know a place South of Sarsota that has a mix of crushed shells and beach sand. Keep in mind this is not the fine sand thats found on the panhandle, it's mostly crushed shells. My question is do you guys see anything wrong with using crushed shell and sand substraight?

I would obviously rinse it and dry it out so I would not get any live critters in it. But do forsee any other reasons I should not use it in my reef tank?

 

[cherubfish pair]

Why not?

 

[ILoveReefer]

It's the same stuff we buy in the store without the hefty price tag. Just a good rinse or 2 would be good. Soaking in vinegar for a day then a good rinse and dry will also ensure the sand has no critters left alive. 20% vinegar 80% water I believe to be a strong enough concentration of vinegar, some people would use it in a much higher concentration others may recommend a little less.

Vinegar is safe in a reef tank in small amounts, the sand will still smell after it dries but thats nothing to worry about.