Safe Sand?

[Nick S]

So I've been looking for a bulk supply of aragonite for my reef. I came across safesand.com. Anyone ever try this stuff? Is it what we're looking for for our reefs?

 

[Curious George]

I don't know, but on their site is does state that the sand contains silica. There has been debates on whether or not this was good or bad in a reef tank. I say bad and will cause algae blooms over time. I'd pass.

 

[Nick S]

Thanks for the helpful comment. So what pure aragonite sand is best? I need a few hundred pounds. I saw 30 lb bags on marinedepot.com of sugar sized aragamax or something like that?

 

[Curious George]

I think that aragamax (aragonite based) sand would be best. It's personaly preference as to grain size. Some like fine others prefer more course.

Either way, I think avoiding some of the temptations associated with the cost savings of bulk play sand is a good thing when starting a reef tank. Saving a hundred bucks now can cause massive headaches down the line when a complete removal of an established bed is the only option to ending nuisance algae.