pacman3411
New member
can you use pool filter sand in a saltwater aquarium?
pool sand
- Thread starter pacman3411
- Start date
kfisc
Well-known member
I sure wouldn't; if I remember accurately, the pool filter sand my parents had contained more than a few items that could hurt a saltwater tank. Don't ask me what those are now, but the point is, it's usually not a good idea to overly improvise or go out on a limb as a beginner in this hobby, much. Good luck!
xJake
Active member
Um.... I believe he's referring to using new pool filter sand.
Pool filter sand is washed, screened, dried, and is a quartz sand of exceptional purity. It usually has at least 99% pure quartz content and would definitely be usable in a reef aquarium.
Personally I always recommend using pulverized limestone as a cheap alternative to aragonite reef sand. It has a similar texture and has the same chemical composition. The only difference is the price and color.
Pool filter sand is washed, screened, dried, and is a quartz sand of exceptional purity. It usually has at least 99% pure quartz content and would definitely be usable in a reef aquarium.
Personally I always recommend using pulverized limestone as a cheap alternative to aragonite reef sand. It has a similar texture and has the same chemical composition. The only difference is the price and color.
xJake
Active member
I don't think being cheap is necessarily bad, but you really need to make informed decisions. An example is my suggestion of pulverized limestone; I would consider this being cheap, but since it works just as well who has the right to criticize?
If a person knew the slightest thing about keeping any fish they would hopefully be able to figure out that used pool filter sand is definitely not the way to go for your substrate.
The thread starter never specified but I would hope he or she was referring to new, unused filter sand.
ILoveReefer
Premium Member
If it is pure quartz then I would say go ahead. But if it's 99% quartz whats the other 1%? Pulverized limestone is a "known to be reef safe" inexpensive alternative to aragonite reef sand like xJake posted.
By the way <img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big> pacman3411
By the way <img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big> pacman3411
Last edited:
BurntOutReefer
New member
why dont you just buy play ground sand from HD instead...? its cheaper and safe
i use pool filter sand in all my freshwater tanks (except my planted tank) with no problems in 4-5 years.
i had heard once (don't remember where or how reputable the source was) that pool filter sand had some sort of silicate? in it that could cause a lot of algae problems. but then again, i don't know for sure as i haven't tried it yet.
i had heard once (don't remember where or how reputable the source was) that pool filter sand had some sort of silicate? in it that could cause a lot of algae problems. but then again, i don't know for sure as i haven't tried it yet.
neotracer075
Premium Member
I have used pool filter sand for my cichlid tank for 2-3 years now. Works great for them! I did however get aragonite (Oolite) for the marine/reef setup as I hear the pool filter sand would be to rough on the gills of sand sifters, ie. gobies and what not.
HTH,
neotracer
HTH,
neotracer
ILoveReefer
Premium Member
Home depot in the garden section or any garden/landscaping supply store.
Can I use this Home Depot sand "Pavestone 50 Lb. All Purpose Play Sand" for my RDSB?
[/IMG]http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100577543
Felix T Cat
Member
I use Pool filter sand in my fw tank. I tried play sand first. If you decide to use play sand be prepared to rinse it in a 5g bucket for a while before you add it to the tank. Load up a bucket and take a garden hose to it until the water runs clear. If you don't you will have a hell of a time getting it clear and cause all kinds of pressure on your filter.
Needless to say, after 3 days of waiting for it to clear I said enough, dumped the tank and picked up a bag of pool filter sand. It was $12 for 50# at the local pool supply place. Water was clear from the start with no rinsing at all.
Not sure I would use it in the sw tank but I guess I can't see any reason not to.
Needless to say, after 3 days of waiting for it to clear I said enough, dumped the tank and picked up a bag of pool filter sand. It was $12 for 50# at the local pool supply place. Water was clear from the start with no rinsing at all.
Not sure I would use it in the sw tank but I guess I can't see any reason not to.
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