New tank question

[Nathan2585]

I am setting up a new tank and have heard yes it's ok to use beach sand and no it's not. My question is would it be ok it go to the ocean and I was going to sift through the top layers out in the water and get more of a small shell substrate. Is that ok to use and I didn't want to wash it or boil it because I want to keep it "live" also was planning on using some sand out of it as well. I know it can be polluted and you want to go farther out but can I use it and treat it of needed for anything bad? It is the initial setup so I will have time to let it cycle well before I add coral and fish.

 

[SaltedReefer]

I know people who have used it without issues here in SW Florida. However i wouldn't recommenced it. You're going to be putting so much time, effort, and money into your new tank over the years to come, why would you risk it? it could introduce a cocktail and bad things into your tank. I'd recommend just spending 30 dollars on a bag of sand.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Initial set up? Treat for it if something is wrong with it?
Your better off rinsing it out really well to begin with, you don't want any of the crap thats in there, in your tank.