Toys R Us Sand - Is it safe?

ChrisKil · #1 08/29/2007, 03:55 PM

I've read about people using Toys R Us sand in their tanks, so I bought a 50 bag of it to supplement the 100-130# of live sand I got from my LFS. It says on the side of the bag that it is "sanitized."

I was wondering if this means it is treated with some type of antibacterial or other chemical that I wouldn't want to put in my tank.

MalHavoc · #2 08/29/2007, 04:14 PM

I'd say that it's "probably" fine, but I really don't know. Who knows how it was bagged, or maybe sanitized just means that it was passed through a sieve or something to remove the crud. Caribsea sand is apparently passed around magnets to remove metal particles and stuff.

Keep in mind that the Toys R Us sand is silica sand, if that matters. Aragonite sand has a slight buffering effect on pH, because it does slowly dissolve over time. Silica sand is also not really pure white, if that matters also.

owenb01 · #3 08/29/2007, 04:17 PM

I wouldn't do it. I used silica sand on a freshwater planted tank and holy sh!t you wouldn't believe the algae. I imagine it would be the same with saltwater, but I don't know; I wouldn't risk it.

bertoni · #4 08/29/2007, 04:25 PM

Lots of people have been successful with silica sand, including some varieties from Home Depot. I don't know what this sand product contains, though.

Pea-brain · #5 08/29/2007, 04:31 PM

The Toy R us sand people have been using claims to have no silica.....

Dan

tinmanny · #6 08/29/2007, 04:50 PM

put a magnet to the sand if you come up with any metal fragments even dust it is no good most sands like that have trace amounts or even more metal from the grinders it is very bad
just put the magnet in the sand and drag it around then lift it out if it comes up with particles the sand is no good
good luck
Manny

ccoral · #7 08/30/2007, 11:55 AM

why risk it save a few bucks not worth the risk and potential headache.
If you do not want to buy live sand just add reg. #1 or #0 coral sand

ChrisKil · #8 08/30/2007, 01:59 PM

Do any of the people on RC that are using Toys R Us sand know if this is the same sand you put in your tanks?

krikor · #9 08/30/2007, 02:13 PM

Ive used sand from home depot in my fresh water tank, i belive it was "high desert sand"

not sure if they are still selling it but it looks and worked great...

ripper139 · #10 08/30/2007, 03:00 PM

I have similar question, I still have 1 bag of southdown but need more then just 40lbs for my new setup. What sand should I get to add with the southdown?

75Gallons · #11 08/30/2007, 03:36 PM

I just put 100lbs of Toys R. US sand into my tank that is currently cycling. Mine wasn't that brand of sand though. I saw that at the local homedepot or lowes not sure which one.

75Gallons · #12 08/30/2007, 03:38 PM

Heres a pic

Hanzo · #13 08/30/2007, 04:53 PM

Be careful with Playsands. There was a huge uproar in the past regarding silica dust exposure to children playing in sand boxes. The market responded by selling "play sand" that does not contain any silica. Now that may sound great for those who don't want silica sand in there tanks.

Here is the bad news. Instead of silica, the producers of some of these play sands are putting in other substances that have a high percentage of metals. These may not be the best for your tank inhabitants.

Bottom line. Be sure to check the MSDS (material safety data sheet) from the manufacturer. They are required to list all the ingredients above 1% on the sheet. Be you know what you are putting in your tank.

75Gallons · #14 08/30/2007, 04:54 PM

Hanzo your going to give me nightmares!

ripper139 · #15 08/31/2007, 02:49 PM

does anyone have a suggestion on what to mix with the southdown that I have??? Even if its from an aquarium supplier and somewhat pricey. I would rather be safe then sorry

Thinslis · #16 08/31/2007, 03:59 PM

If you would rather be safe then sorry go to your local respected Reef store and say "I need sand xlbs of sand" They will give you Aquarium approved sand.

Thinslis · #17 08/31/2007, 04:00 PM

I just today picked up 200lbs of Toys R Us sand, however it appears to be regional because the sand I got was different then any pictured so far... hmm....

savethereef · #18 08/31/2007, 04:34 PM

get some of the sand and pour some vinegar over it if it bubbles up it has silica but if it does not fiz its not silica.
Me personaly i would just go with reef sand. If you use silica you are going to go thru some bad blooms and ur oh would not be as stable as aragonite

tinmanny · #19 08/31/2007, 04:42 PM

this sounds so scarey that why go with anything but reef sand the end justifys the means.
I use reef sand and never sad about it
good luck
Manny

Captain Bucket · #20 08/31/2007, 04:54 PM

Perhaps apropos of nothing, chriskil's dilemma reminded me of this alarming (or perhaps alarmist) Honolulu Advertiser article; "Isle concrete suppliers forced to import sand"

Captain Bucket · #21 08/31/2007, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by savethereef
get some of the sand and pour some vinegar over it if it bubbles up it has silica but if it does not fiz its not silica.

I think you're wrong there STR. Bubbling w/vinegar which is acidic would indicate something is basic probably calcium laden like coral or beach sand. Silica, which is what glass is made of (glass is used to store acid and chemicals) would not react.