Play sand?

[ChunksInClemson]

This may be a stupid question but has anyone ever used play sand as a substrate? I know its probably not a good thing but just curious.

 

[Paintbug]

i use playsand from HD. im not really liking the color of it but other than that nothing wrong with silica sands.

 

[Andrew]

I use quickcrete sand in my 36 and 75 and it works good. Its only like $3 for a 50 lb bag.

 

[theevoys]

I used the quickcrete playsand in my tank 2 different times now. It is super cheap, but it doesn't look awesome. The second time I put it in and then put like 20 lbs of white sand over top of it. That looked good for a short time, but eventuially blended together.

 

[dots]

Im a little weary putting anything not made for the reef in your tank, you never know if any metals or other containments may be in it. Its cheap insurance/reasurance to eliminate any unknowns that could get into your tank. With as much as we put into dollar wise not to skimp on such a small part of the total cost as buying the livesand and adding it......what once a year? Compared to scrathing your head and wondering why things aren't working out, I think its cheap compared to all the cost and trouble fixing a problem such as that. Now, I am not saying you can't use it, but why risk your investment?

 

[stang5_o2002]

I used walmart Garden Basics sand in my 46. IMO it looks great and i've had no problems what so ever. The tank has only been up since early December and already the sand has all kinds of life in it. I just seeded it with about a cup of LS from the LFS's established tank.

 

[NCreefwannabe]

I have southdown in mine. looks great and unlike everyone ive seen post about it says they ahd a hug sandstorm for days or weeks..... Mine was gone after 1 night with skimmer and hob filter going. 2 days later its crystal clear lol.

Although, if the sand isnt aragonite, its not really worth it. try the vinegar test and go from there on looks.

 

[Rhodan]

Read this thread....It may help.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=601389