magnetic sand?

[paper clip]

I was cleaning my glass and noticed that the sand kept sticking to my mag float in the same places, right where the magnets go. So i took the wet side and stuck it magnets down in the sand and got this.

i've also taken a little of the sand and put it in vinegar and it bubbles and looks like it's a glass of sprite with the bubbles coming up.

any advice?

thanks, Justin

 

[fish4lyfe]

Wierd, tagging along to find out what this is.

 

[JKDMan]

sand could have some particles that are attracted by magnets

 

[Pepito]

ok...how about what kind of sand is it and where did you get it?

 

[widmer]

As far as I know, the magnetic bits must have iron in them, and the part that bubbles in the vinegar is just the calcium carbonate (base) reacting with the vinegar (acetic acid). Not sure if the iron is harmful in a marine aquarium, my guess is it's not. But I know the calcium reacting with the vinegar is no problem.

 

[paper clip]

I got the sand from a fellow reefer it was in an established system. i belive it is natures ocean thou i'm not sure

 

[Pepito]

I see,

Definitely has calcium I would say since it reacts with the vinegar...maybe its mixed though. Guess I would ask the original owner if and what they may have mixed together.

That said I don't think theres anything wrong or harmful with it...but would still ask out of curiosity ya know

 

[Icefire]

I guess it's some haitian black sand which look like to be high in Iron and carbonate based.

 

[paper clip]

ya, i'll definatly ask him, I just wanted to make sure i never thought that the sand would stick the the mag float.

 

[widmer]

PS i have teh exact same magnetic cleaner. It's a nice little guy isnt it?

 

[paper clip]

yes it is! it would be a lot handier if it didn't pickup sand every time i got within an inch of the sand bed