Cheap white sand

[Sandnukka15]

What is a good cheap white sand i could get for my stock tank ... inhabitants wil be brown banded bamboo.... lion and snow eel .....

 

[Sandnukka15]

Its just a simple fowlr

 

[civics14]

What is "cheap"? The Carib Sea Live sand at my local fish store goes for $20 for a 20lb bag which I consider that to be cheap, especially in this hobby.

 

[gone fishin]

It seems most dry marine sand goes for about a buck/pound. Live sand is usually more IME

 

[CHizer]

I was pretty happy with my sand from Marco Rocks. It took a bit of washing though.

 

[Sandnukka15]

A $ a pound is doa le for me ..... has anyone had issues with using playsand or pool filter sand ive used them in my freshwater tanks for years and was wondering if it would be fine for a saltwater fowlr tank

 

[Huntor0]

Tropic Eden Reef Flakes is some of the cleanest whitest sand I have found. little more than a dollar a pound tho (30lb for $40).

 

[billdogg]

Yes, you can use playsand. Should you? Almost certainly not. First, because it is silica based, not calcium based like marine sand, it will offer no buffering capabilities whatsoever. Another problem with it is that it was sharp edges that can irritate bottom dwellers and sand sifting organisms. It has also be sand that it can contribute to diatom blooms although I can't personally vouch for that one.

If you are going to set up a system to properly care for your intended list, spend a few more dollars and get the right stuff. No need at all to spring for "Live" sand, but the benefits of aragonite far outweigh the extra cost.

 

[Sandnukka15]

Thanks il go with carib sea live..... that diesnt have any sharp edges does it ?

 

[billdogg]

No it doesn't, but it will cost you more than the same weight of dry aragonite because it is "live" (a complete waste of $$$, IMO)

 

[Sandnukka15]

Thanks ill look into the dry aragonite

 

[billdogg]

When I bought the sand for a 6" DSB in a 120g refugium (~360lb), petsmart had the best price. I jhad the local store order it for me so shipping to the store was free.

Hauling it down to the basement and rinsing it about killed me, but that's another story...