Lowes sand okay for reef?

[bennerkla]

I found some $3 sand at Lowes for 50 lbs, it is not Southdown. Is there anything I need to do to it before I use it in my reef? I was wondering if there were any chemicals or whatnot that might cause harm.

Thank you in advance,

bennerkla

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

It's most likely Silica Sand, but it's just fine to use. If you like the look of it, go for it.

 

[cristhiam]

This is what I'm using from Lowes, patio paver base, its in a brown bag . bag says"Step 1" on it pure aragonite. good mix of grain sizes. about $3 for 50#
you can do the vinegar test and see.
Here is a pic so you can have an idea of the different grain sizes

 

[justin1977justi]

I got the play sand from lowes in the clear bag. It has a slight brown tint but I like it. If that is what you are looking at, I would recomend trying to wash it some. It put a film of dirt on thye glass and the bottom of my sump.

 

[bennerkla]

Thank you all for the help.

 

[Travis L. Stevens]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7436236#post7436236 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cristhiam
This is what I'm using from Lowes, patio paver base, its in a brown bag . bag says"Step 1" on it pure aragonite. good mix of grain sizes. about $3 for 50#
you can do the vinegar test and see.
Here is a pic so you can have an idea of the different grain sizes

I have the same thing at my Lowe's but it's actually a silica sand. Consider yourself lucky.

 

[Lpabsolute]

Has worked for me before, just washed the sand really well before adding it to my tank....You should be fine....

 

[Johnsteph10]

The whole "sand must be aragonite" thing is a myth. If our tanks' pH dropped low enough to need buffering from the sand...well, you wouldn't have much of a tank left (thick giant calcium reactor)

 

[bjc7487]

id say try it out, i know some people that used it and it was fine

 

[reefcapnnick]

Are we to assume generic play sand would work as well, if rinsed?

 

[reefcapnnick]

BTW, did a search for southdown and got this:

http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-31626/40-LB,-White-Play/Detail

Same stuff?

 

[bennerkla]

That is the exact same stuff I just bought.

It has written on it, DO NOT USE IN AQUARIUMS. But why? If I just rinsed it well, would it be fine?

TIA

 

[omni2226]

The do not use in aquariums is a "cover my butt" policy they use so no one can sue them.

I used 100 lbs of playsand (silica) from lowes in my tank.

 

[bennerkla]

So you're saying that it is fine to use? I was thinking maybe the sand particles were too small?

 

[bennerkla]

Bump, to make sure that sand is okay to use... thanks

 

[omni2226]

Its playsand that is not harmful to small chilfren and infants, why wouldnt it be safe to use?
If you are speaking of the grain size sugar sized grains are ok to use.

 

[mj77724]

can you give us the sku# ??

i have not seen that sand at lowes here so if i give them a sku#

mybe they can tell me who has it ?/


thanks mj

 

[CKreef]

did it pass a vinegar test?

 

[highquality]

they probably put that on the bag so people will buy the expensive sand. for ex: they could have same supplier or be same company as aquarium sand? just a thought tho!

 

[highquality]

what is the vinegar test?