Cheap Building Materials Fill Sand work for DSB?

[ceemonkey]

I'm looking to upgrade my system to include a 6-12" DSB in a 4x4' tub. I think I'll need about 800 lbs of sand to get 6-12". I wanted to know if any of you have tried using the fill sand from building supply companies $10/800lbs and if you have had success or issues. Does that kind of sand provide the same nitrification and calcium replenishment benefits as aragonite from the ocean you'd buy for $1/lb?

 

[rtparty]

It is more than likely silica based and that is not a good thing. You want aragonite sand in your tank.

I also wouldn't trust fill sand to not have other chemicals in it. It is cheap for a reason. They don't care what is in it.

 

[EpicWin]

It is more than likely silica based and that is not a good thing. You want aragonite sand in your tank.

I also wouldn't trust fill sand to not have other chemicals in it. It is cheap for a reason. They don't care what is in it.

+1 in this case the word sand is the only thing that is the same. Aragonite is totally different than fill sand.

 

[sirreal63]

To add, a properly functioning DSB requires the correct grain size, filling a tub with any old sand may work but will probably just become a nutrient sink with toxicity issues if ever disturbed.