Filter Sand (Use/Not Use)

[rob92]

Ok so my dad went out and bought 3 50lbs bags of filter sand used for pools for when he starts his African cichlid tank. I was wondering if it would be alright if I used a bag along with a bag of live sand for my 55 I'm setting up. The filter sand is clean and never used.

 

[Mike J.]

I wouldn't, but it's not unheard of. It is a silica based sand and will possibly cause problems with diatoms and dinoflagellates.

Here's a very in depth article on silica sand, so you can form your own opinion.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature1