Is magnetic sand a threat??? (POLL)

[Cassian]

This is a follow up thread from here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/m...hy-i’m-frustrated-and-sad-please-help.693660/

Been having trouble with my corals and recently found out my sand is magnetic. Could that cause problems? I’m debating whether to change it out. The brand is Caribsea Hawaiian black sand

 

[Mr_Knightley]

I have that sand in one of my tanks, and that tank is thriving very well. Though, I do not use any magnetic scrapers in that tank either.
I don
t think it could be a problem, just be careful with magnetic accessories. I personally love the black sand though.

 

[Mrtakeoff53]

I don’t know for sure but I would assume magnetic sand would be bad. The sand is magnetic due to the metals (iron, nickel, cobalt) residing within the sand. I’m pretty sure those metals will eventually leach into your tank water and cause problems. Also, your impellers on your pumps and your glass cleaning magnets will stick to that sand. Sand and impellers don’t mix. Also, glass cleaners and sand don’t mix (severe glass scratches). I’d take it out and go with white sand. Good luck.

 

[robbyg]

I use white sand and before I added it to the tank I used a magnet and ran it through all the sand. I ended up with about 1/2 a teaspoon of metal ore. I don’t want that stuff in my tank because it makes glass cleaning more difficult.

 

[Cassian]

I have that sand in one of my tanks, and that tank is thriving very well. Though, I do not use any magnetic scrapers in that tank either.
I don
t think it could be a problem, just be careful with magnetic accessories. I personally love the black sand though.

How long had the tank been set up? I started having issues a couple of months after I set it up

 

[LovesDogs_CatsRokay]

I had that same sand in my tank. Couldn’t keep sps or urchins alive. Triton test showed elevated nickel and valadium. Swapped out the sand and coral health instantly improved. Everything seem happier overnight. Also have 3 thriving urchins now.

 

[Silent]

If anything ever happens to your tank you will always wonder if this is the reason. Too many unknowns in this hobby, no reason to add another variable.

 

[legrunt]

Following this. I have the same sand in my tank

 

[Cassian]

I had that same sand in my tank. Couldn’t keep sps or urchins alive. Triton test showed elevated nickel and valadium. Swapped out the sand and coral health instantly improved. Everything seem happier overnight. Also have 3 thriving urchins now.

Good to know. Thank you!

 

[Cassian]

If anything ever happens to your tank you will always wonder if this is the reason. Too many unknowns in this hobby, no reason to add another variable.

I agree with you on that