Play sand from Home depot, ok to use??

[basssnake]

Well, do you all say use playsand(high desert) which could likely be silica sand Or should i spend the extra money and order some caribsea aragonite sand? I need to get this done soon........

 

[greenbean36191]

Whether it's silica or calcium makes no difference to the function in the tank.

 

[basssnake]

I realize i am probably getting on everyone's nerves, but it is for sure that silica sand will not hurt anything or cause any algae blooms??? If it were you, would you save the money and get the silica play sand?? I appreciate all your feedback.....

 

[stingythingy45]

The white Pavestone(High Desert)playsand here in N.E. is calcium based.I have done the vinegar test to it and it fizzles like crazy.
I have also had this sand in my tank for over a year now with no ill effects.I also have it in my refugium.So that's almost 180 Lbs of sand.It is fine to use......no worries.

 

[greenbean36191]

Yes, it's for sure that silica sand is fine to use. I have used it before and have no complaints. I would not use it in a display tank though, simply for aesthetic reasons.

 

[basssnake]

Ok, well, then i will keep that in mind and make a decision. I have located some high desert sand by pavestone, but i talked to pavestone and they said it is silica based. But when i called the walmart they said it was white in color. So, maybe it could be calcium carbonate? I know that the closest pavestone manufacture doesn't package high desert(according to the girl i talked to). I may just have to look at the bag. So, if it is calcium carbonate, it will fizzle in vinegar? If it isn't, then it won't?

 

[siropa]

dude the next ice age is going to be here before you make this decision

 

[dngspot]

Go to Home Depot and ask of Pavestone Pulverized Limestone.

 

[basssnake]

Is there any lime in that? What is the chemical makeup of limestone? How much is a bag of it? Have you used it?

 

[dngspot]

I have used it. I have it in my 55g and 35g. I have had it in a 150g but sold that tank and used something else in my 210g.
It cost about $6.00 per 50lbs bag.
There is no lye. It is limestone. It seems fine in my tanks.
Limestone is compressed coral from ancient oceans. Kansas was once under water that is why so much of it is here.