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#1
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Quartz based sand
is it ok for me to use a quartz based sand in my tank?
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#2
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yes and no.
It makes a perfectly acceptable substrate. However it's a bit coarse and sharp edged for worms and other critters that live in the sand. Also some people think a calcium based substrate helps buffer your water but I'm not sure that's a proven fact.
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Less technology , more biology . |
#3
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The animals in the sand don't care about the edges, but if you have an acrylic tank they can be a problem. Besides looks there's really no other reason clean quartz sand is a problem.
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Lanikai, kahakai nani, aloha no au ia 'oe. A hui hou kakou. |
#4
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quite a few people use it, as mentioned the only thing is it wont buffer and some creatures dont like to live in it. otherwise your free to use it.
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Everyone you meet, knows something you don't. |
#5
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What's the difference between quartz based and silica based sand? (Or is there one?)
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"Why is the rum always gone?" |
#6
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thanks, that helps alot. I was mainly looking for a better understanding on its buffering properties (if there is any)
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#7
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Quote:
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Kevin |
#8
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Calcium based sand does not see PH low enough to buffer anything in a tank. If it did, it would dissolve and we would have to replenish it...like a calcium reactor.
I'm no geologist, but I believe that most of the worlds sea bottom is actually built on quartz based substrate. Can any one else confirm this?
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I have nothing to put here because all my writers are on strike! |
#9
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I used silica based sand basting sand in my old 30 gallon. I never had any problems accept that it scratched my glass if it got stuck under my cleaning magnet.
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