Sand

[MyLittleAquarium_]

So I have this sand and i was wondering if I would be able to used in a tank? I think you have to have specific sand for aquariums but i thought id ask anyway

 

[Chad Sepulvado]

Missing a picture or link?

 

[PatW]

You should use aragonite sand. Aragonite sand is made up of calcium chloride the same stuff that makes up coral skeletons. I think most of it is produced biologically. Parrot fish take bites out of coral. When they poop, they produce fine sand. It costs about $2 per lb.

 

[MyLittleAquarium_]

Missing a picture or link?

 

[MyLittleAquarium_]

You should use aragonite sand. Aragonite sand is made up of calcium chloride the same stuff that makes up coral skeletons. I think most of it is produced biologically. Parrot fish take bites out of coral. When they poop, they produce fine sand. It costs about $2 per lb.

 

[MyLittleAquarium_]

So I have this sand and i was wondering if I would be able to used in a tank? I think you have to have specific sand for aquariums but i thought id ask anyway

 

[Auquanut]

If I'm not mistalen, play sand tends to have a lot of silicates. Not good for a reef tank. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. I also agree about the argonite sand. It's better for the tank and it's coarser, so it won't get blown around by your powerheads as bad.

 

[Chad Sepulvado]

No telling what impurities are in that sand

 

[Derek siskey]

Play sand is full of silicates!

 

[GatorScott]

Yep what they said. Grab a bag argonite sand meant for a reef tank. You can save some money by getting it dry you’d just need to rinse it ALOT before putting it in the tank

 

[Billdogg]

Along with the silicate issue, if you take a close look (use a magnifying glass) you will see that the silica based playsand has sharp edges while the arragonite sand particles all have relatively rounded corners. Your sand dwellers/sifters will thank you for that.

 

[MyLittleAquarium_]

Yep what they said. Grab a bag argonite sand meant for a reef tank. You can save some money by getting it dry you’d just need to rinse it ALOT before putting it in the tank

awesome thank you! show would you say i'd need to rinse it? in a strainer or something over a bucket?

 

[Auquanut]

I rinse it in a 5 gallon bucket with a water hose. Stir it and let the water flow through it until it runs clear(ish).