Quick Crete sand for substrate

[andre0217]

I've been hearing conflicting arguments on using silica based sand as a substrate.

I bought 50 pounds for about 3.00 and placed some in vinegar. There was no fizzing.

Is this still ok to use? What would be the detriment of this?

And yes... I tried to search, but the server apparently is loaded up somethin fierce.

 

[Andrew]

I've used it before in my tanks without a problem. In fact, I still have another two Bags left.

 

[szwab]

ditto I know of many people who have used it without problems.

 

[Big Chika]

I used Play Sand and the only problem I have is brown algae on the glass. That might just be part of the cycle though. My snails took care of that the first time I had it.

 

[Trigeek]

If you look at the MSDS for this sand it shows that it contains heavy metals. However, I'd be willing to bet that aragonite sand may also, but couldn't find an MSDS for any of the products sold at the LFS. I've known people to use the quickrete sand without issue, however I ponied up the extra $ and bought aragonite. My decision was based upon the info from the MSDS. I don't think that silica sand would be a problem (from a chemical standpoint), however the granules are sharp, which some sand sifting critters (big and small) may have some difficulty with.

 

[coast2coast7390]

i used the silicate sand in my pond made a HUGE mess even after i rinsed it...just make sure that you have good protien skimming

 

[eddified]

i might be wrong but i had heard that a silicate based sand can scratch the glass a lot easier then aragonite can....can anyone confrim this?

 

[kevin2000]

Silica based sands can leak silicates which are the primary food source for diatoms. However .. alot of silica based sands don't create chronic problems in our tanks. One of the potential issues with "big box" sands is that some of their sand isn't really sand but rocks which have been pulverized/crushed into sand .. in theory this sand has greater potential for silicate leakage. To my knowledge there isn't an easy way for an aquarist to tell what kind of sand your buying.