play sand?

[hyrumbradshaw]

I am looking to buy some sand, does anyone know what sand home depot or lowes sells that would be ok for aquarium use (not sillica)?

[random_ryan]

I have non sillica live sand coming straight out of one of my tanks for sale

[Owen2thebank]

What's the issue with silica sand? I thought that it is desirable.

[Mr..Tang]

Some say silca sand causes algae outbreaks. But I have 200 lbs. in my 120 with in algae issues. I used Kolorscape playsand. It does NOT look as good as the LFS bought sand but if on a budget, you can't go wrong!!

[Owen2thebank]

Thanks. After posting I see that there have been quite a opinions about sand. I'll reconsider the use of my bags of silica sand after reading more.

[kgouso]

If you are looking for sand bed "alternatives" here is a thread you might be interested in.


http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1284136

[Angel9111]

I used the green bags of play sand from Home Depot in my 300 a couple of years ago, (still in there) and have never had any problems.

[jasonh]

Originally posted by Owen2thebank
What's the issue with silica sand? I thought that it is desirable.

A calcium-based sand is desirable for a reef tank. A non-calcium based sand like silica is desirable for a FW planted tank.

[30reef]

Sand is like everything else that is marketed for an aquarium, overpriced. Look at what 2part did with bulk additives (thanks to Randy). I would bet with a little detective work, one could find aragonite sand in the valley labeled as some kind of building material. I would not use silica sand.

[kgouso]

Originally posted by 30reef
Sand is like everything else that is marketed for an aquarium, overpriced. Look at what 2part did with bulk additives (thanks to Randy). I would bet with a little detective work, one could find aragonite sand in the valley labeled as some kind of building material. I would not use silica sand.

I posted a link to another thread that was discussing sand "alternatives"

What I found interesting was the links (within that thread) that described Crushed Lime Stone. It seems like the properties that make it up where very similar.

From what I have read so far, I like the Limestone options. (And you probably get the added bonus of not having to dose calcium.

It appears that there are different types. Picking the right one or making a "mix" is where the research would come in...

I would think that someone (that knows what they are doing) within the industry could produce a mix and market it at a very competative price.

(Of course I am so new at this, I could be way off base)

[jasonh]

I could never find the crushed/pulverized limestone at HD. Never did try Lowes though. I will agree though, just like the Southdown stuff, there is probably an alternative lurking somewhere.

For planted tanks, I found that pool filter sand works awesome...and it's $5 for 50lbs. I still use Flourite in my 1 remaining planted tank though

[kgouso]

Originally posted by jasonh
I could never find the crushed/pulverized limestone at HD.

Not all the HD has every kind. Some don't even carry the Portland White cement

HD has a desk for that department and you can tell them what you need and they will tell you which store has it in stock or order it in for you.

They key is knowing what specific kind or kinds of Limestone to get since they vary in make up...(from what I have read)

[kgouso]

Double post

[widefx]

I saw both at the HD on Bell and Tatum

[hyrumbradshaw]

I see online lowes sells a coral sand in a 60 pound bag although it does not look like they carry it anywhere in the east valley (not even sure about west)

[jasonh]

Originally posted by kgouso
Not all the HD has every kind. Some don't even carry the Portland White cement

My HD must really suck, since it doesn't have either 36th St & Thomas....little hard to find what you need there

[Angel9111]

sometimes you can order stuff online from them and they will ship it to the store, or they will special order it for you.