sand question

[billblue]

I have had white playsand in my freshwater tank with no chem isuues or fish death for 8 months now.would it be safe to rinse it and use it in saltwater tank.i plan on seeding it with live rock.i also have plenty of time before I get fish or coral.im waiting on a friend to breed his lionfish again.so I will have months to cycle.and yes it is silica sand.but like I said no issues in freshwater tank.thanks much

 

[Planedoc]

I think it would be okay but I would not do it. The benefits of ph buffering and other chemicals released from an aragonite substrate far outweigh the cost difference. Unless I was just playing around setting up a tank I knew was not going to last a year I would use a quality substrate or go bare bottom. Just remember if you do have problems you will always doubt the sand and will be a major pita to change it once established.

 

[Saltyg]

+1. completely agree with plane. Its not worth it for long term, im sure you can make it work but like plane said if you ever have a problem that sand is always going to be in question.

 

[Justunsmegareef]

were im at in utah there is oolite sand that you can collect 300 pounds a person, its brine shrimp poop from 10,000 years ago, it looks reallly cool and came from the great salt lake, thats what i used in my 120g rimless