silicate or aragonite sand

[Reef man 89]

Hello reefing community just wanted put this out there to see what sand you guys use is it,silicate or aragonite? And why you like one over the other?

 

[reef lover]

Don't use silicate you'll b leaching crap forever. Argonite or crushed coral is my preference.

 

[rcmike]

It is silica, not silicate, which is basically quartz and won't leach anything. Used it for years with no problems from it. Aragonite and crushed coral can absorb phosphates and such and leach it back however. Lol
I've used both and both work.

 

[Reef man 89]

It is silica, not silicate, which is basically quartz and won't leach anything. Used it for years with no problems from it. Aragonite and crushed coral can absorb phosphates and such and leach it back however. Lol
I've used both and both work.

I noticed that It was wrong as soon as I posted it.

 

[reef lover]

If searched you'll find lots of varying opinions. Lots claim its fine many claim they had nothing but problems. But one thing is true it is a lot sharper being quartz and will scratch your glass easier and most burrowing animals won't like it as much. Hope this helps.

 

[Sm51498]

A good article to read.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2003/1/aafeature1

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Silica sand will leach silicate (both theoretically and experimentally), but that isn't usually a problem. I dosed silicate for years.