Play sand for Reef?

[Ashv5]

Here is the play sand I have, what do you guys think? I was wondering if I could put this in my upcoming 90 gallon build.

 

[User1]

Back in the day people used a sand from Home Depot I believe under the same of Southdown. It was stupidly cheap and great for marine reefs. The only drawback was that it was too fine for some higher flow systems. Bulk purchases, people buying in bulk and getting trucking companies to ship direct. Fun times. I used about 200 lbs of it myself and it was great.

The sand you list I'm not sure. I probably wouldn't but you are starting off right by at least doing some research. Interesting that it is flagged not for sale in California - lol.

 

[Ashv5]

Back in the day people used a sand from Home Depot I believe under the same of Southdown. It was stupidly cheap and great for marine reefs. The only drawback was that it was too fine for some higher flow systems. Bulk purchases, people buying in bulk and getting trucking companies to ship direct. Fun times. I used about 200 lbs of it myself and it was great.

The sand you list I'm not sure. I probably wouldn't but you are starting off right by at least doing some research. Interesting that it is flagged not for sale in California - lol.

I know I really don't know why it says no use on Cali lol. I was wondering, would quickrete pool filter sand do the job? https://www.lowes.com/pd/QUIKRETE-50-lb-Sand-Pool-Filter-Aid/3595316

 

[xtremeyolks]

I think play sand has silicates in it?

 

[User1]

I think play sand has silicates in it?

I believe that is the concern, yes. In 1999 - 2001 time frame that everyone was using Southdown play sand it was proved to be silicate free and reef safe. It really was a steal looking back.

Today I do not know. I went with Carib Sea when I setup my 210 upgrade. Figured it was safer in the long run.

 

[User1]

I know I really don't know why it says no use on Cali lol. I was wondering, would quickrete pool filter sand do the job? https://www.lowes.com/pd/QUIKRETE-50-lb-Sand-Pool-Filter-Aid/3595316

I do not know. We'll have to see what others chime in. I can only say what I used previously (Southdown) and current tank using Carib Sea.

 

[Ashv5]

Well it would be awesome if more people could pitch in and cast their opinions...

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi group,

This reminds me of the kitty litter craze

Randy did an article touching on this. I can’t find it. The link to it is in this post, but it is dead. I hope it is ok attached this “other” site

play sand and silica for Randy - Reef Central Online Community

play sand and silica for Randy The Reef Chemistry Forum

www.reefcentral.com

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Since it comes from "Wedron Silica Company" I'd be worried about the silica content and the issues that can cause. I'd suggest a good aragonite sand to avoid any potential issues.

 

[SteveG_inDC]

most playsand has silica. Bad. I miss Southdown. When I posted on my local reef club forum somebody had 100+ lbs. of Southdown in the basement.

 

[jasonrusso]

Well it would be awesome if more people could pitch in and cast their opinions...

For the cost I would just get some caribsea sand. I can usually find it for like a dollar a pound or less shipped.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/caribsea-ocean-direct-original-grade-caribbean-live-sand-substrate-40-lbs-3027348?cm_mmc=PSH-_-GGL-_-CAL-_-PME-_-PET-_-AQU-_-0-_-PM_GGL_FY20_SBU05_SH14_AquaticSupplies_AquaticCare_PLA-SMRT-_-Product_Listing_Ads-_-Smart_Shopping&kpid=go_9412336703_96935047193_419547592754_pla-890590382353_c&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PM_GGL_FY20_SBU05_SH14_AquaticSupplies_AquaticCare_PLA-SMRT&utm_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6uT4BRD5ARIsADwJQ18xrDMZfrLWlhYZMsp0-LqQsZsMKbDQFwAFaa-MuW27Yc5RTbsNfpAaAjylEALw_wcB

 

[Cell]

I think a lot of play sand contains silica. Can you see white grains of sand? That's silica.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Id rather pay 10X the cost and get silicate free pure and safe sand. the silicates will invite Dino, Phosphates and algae - to me. . . No Savings

 

[Peace River]

I have used play sand for freshwater aquarium and it has a lot of dust and takes a lot of work to prep. With the added concern of silica, I would not use it for a reef tank. Good luck with your new system!

 

[nyghtdancyr]

Back in the day people used a sand from Home Depot I believe under the same of Southdown. It was stupidly cheap and great for marine reefs. The only drawback was that it was too fine for some higher flow systems. Bulk purchases, people buying in bulk and getting trucking companies to ship direct. Fun times. I used about 200 lbs of it myself and it was great.

The sand you list I'm not sure. I probably wouldn't but you are starting off right by at least doing some research. Interesting that it is flagged not for sale in California - lol.

I’m in the textile testing industry, you would not believe the list of restrictions and special testing California has for fabric, yarn, nonwovens, and furniture that are extra and far and above normal USA regulations. I’m pretty sure they have so crazy restrictions on sand and other landscaping things as well.

 

[takitaj]

I wouldn't, for all the reasons mentioned previously plus if you plan on having any appreciable flow sand will always be moving and blowing around, covering the rock and corals. I used some "reef" sand once and regretted it shortly afterwards. It looked awesome but I ended up removing it and going with aragonite.

 

[Oliver d]

I would not use it in my reef but I did use it in all my fresh water setups