Masonry Sand

[cabot]

I know masonry sand from home depot has been used in aquariums. I'm wondering if the masonry sand we are buying by the truck load to brick our house is safe for my aquarium. Does anyone know how I would find out.

 

[roons]

for 2 bucks a bag do you think its worth the trouble or risk?

 

[cabot]

Is it particle size or content that I should worry about? I have a 36 gallon with live sand that I am moving to a 75. I thought I would supplement with masonry sand. I would like to add about 2-3 times the quantity I already have. Should I add it over time or all at once? It might be helpful to know that I have about 100 lbs. of live rock. Any suggestions? Of course I would rather by packaged live sand than risk the health of my tank. So.....I am most curious if anyone has used this sand over the long term successfully. Also, do you not have die off from packaged live sand? I realize that some critters would survive. However, it seems to me that adding sterile sand to an already established tank might be better.

 

[cabot]

Hey roons...........Well the sand I used was the 20 dollar variety from the lfs. However, I need more and of course I don't mind paying 2 dollars a bag. I just wondered what was used in successful systems. I don't want to get a few months down the road and realize I had made a mistake with the sand. If I have sand sitting on site, why would I haul 50lb. bags of it in. Did you use HD sand?

 

[cabot]

I guess no one has had this experience. So, I think I will play it safe and let the kids have the sand.

 

[roons]

yeah , its called old castle now , used to be southdown , same stuff........................