Play Sand as a sandbed

[amitchell]

I read some older threads about useing play sand from Home Depot as a sand bed. The big thing was not to use Silica, but on a different thread that wasn't a big deal. I am so confused. Haven't seen any new info on it. I just want to know what my options are before I go spend $200 on sand I could get for $20.

Anthony

 

[Nano_reeflover]

Silica sand is absolutely fine. Despite what others say, it does NOT leach Silicates (different than Silica) into your water. I'm using it in my tanks (10 and 20gals) and there are no problems.

 

[amitchell]

Should I look for anything special in the sand? Like shape, size and color. What about little black specks, are they OK?

 

[Nano_reeflover]

A generic brand of silica sand is what I got. Make sure to rinse it out first unless you want to have a dust storm. Rinsing it also gets rid of the mica particles that float easily. To rinse it, I put about 20-30 lbs in a rubbermaid container and put the hose in the container. I then swished the sand and water and a lot of times which helped get rid of the dust and the mica. Dont think the black specks matter and I think silica only comes in white.

 

[amitchell]

Thanks. What is "mica"?

 

[Nano_reeflover]

Mica is some of the "shiny" stuff you see in granite rocks. Looks kinda like glass.

 

[HALCYONanima]

try looking in HD or Lowes(Lowes will usually carry this, not HD) for this stuff, im using the medium grade in my tank right now and it looks a little bit whiter than regular play sand that i use in my FW tanks and plus you don't have to wash this one. i got 100 lbs for $.50 at Lowes because i got an open bag.

http://www.quikrete.com/catalog/CommercialGradeSand.html

 

[amitchell]

So it isn't just play sand that is OK. I thought because play sand was sterilized. I have seen quickrete's playsand at HD. I'll look for the commercial grade. Whats better? Whats the difference?

 

[wbeavers]

The silica sand is aknown carcinogen. Use precautions so as not to breath in the dust. See the MSDS (material safety data sheets) on the link above.

 

[javatech]

The kind of sand you need to be looking for is Old Castle tropical play sand AKA "Southdown" tropical play sand
it's in red and blue bags with the kid on the front but don't say Southdown anymore after the whole Southdown, Old Castle, YardRight purchase/acquisition whatever.

 

[jcarrara]

This might help:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/2/short

Peace

John

 

[amitchell]

I can't find that brand anywhere. The only brands I have seen are Quickrete, and Lighthouse. HALCYONanima you are using the Quickcrete commercial grade in tank without issue?

 

[HALCYONanima]

No problems what so ever.

 

[kiowascout]

quikrete play sand is what I used... no problems at all.

Make sure whatever sand you use, that it is sterilized.

 

[javatech]

check out the Lighthouse one it sounds like one i read about somewere take some vinger in a cup and put a bit of the sand in it if it fizzs it's the one you want

 

[jobob]

light house i think is the "southdown" one. i would do vinger test to be sure. it should say tropical play sand on the bag.

 

[Aquayne_wv]

Wal*Mart now carries a line of sand that is colored. It is "Old Castle" brand. Get the white or uncolored kind. You will find it outside in the garden area.

Wayne
Logan, WV

 

[monkeyreefer]

kolorscape white playsand is what you are looking for, sku #482-728 at hd. Its a clear bag with white writing and blue labels.

 

[amitchell]

I picked the Kolorscape playsand today at HD. My wife is starteing to think I am really crazy. I hav 4 diferent types of sand. Lighthouse no fizz. Kolorscape no fizz. Sackrete no fizz. Yardright fizzed but the shape of the sand is kind of jaged. Read on some thread the round shapes are what you want. The kolorscape brand is like sugar. Color and texture. On the bag is written "Not for Aquariums". I am so confused.

 

[jaze36]

Amitchell where did you find the yardright sand at?