View Full Version : are there any dangerous sands
latazyo
12-13-2002, 11:17 AM
are there any dangerous sands that would kill the fish if used as substrate
sand in quesion is silica sandblasting sand
FishmasteR2002
12-13-2002, 11:31 AM
Sand is a very good substrate. I have sand in my 20 Gallon and it is looks very good and it is easy to clean. You will have to wash the sand thoroughly. Get a pillowcase and put the sand in it and run the sand under hot water. This will clean your sand and make it safe to use in your aquarium. Good Luck! :)
rjl420
12-13-2002, 12:40 PM
that particular sand if fine.
all sands have the potential to create anaerobic spots, an area of sand that has no oxygen and can leech really bad toxins to your tank, if it isn't regularly stirred up. so I wouldn't go really deep with your sand bed and stir it up during your partial water changes to prevent it. too bad freshwater doesn't have the ammount of "critters" that salt water does, they would stir the bed for you. malaysiam trumpet snails are said to be good to keep the sand bed stirred as are live, rooted plants but stir it just in case.
EDIT: typos... hukt awn fawnix werkt fur mee!
latazyo
12-13-2002, 1:10 PM
well, the reason I say this is because:
1: in my 20g brackish tank, I have pool filter sand, so I know the behnefts of sand, etc
2: yesterday I put my pair of firemouths in the 75g with the silica sandblasting sand and they immediately sunk to the bottom as if they were sick...then I watched one of them closer and it started to turn on it's side like it was laying down, so I immediately rescued them and put them in a different tank where they are doing fine now
I was just wondering if it is possible for the sand to poison them or something
I know nothing of my water parameters, I am getting a test done today
rjl420
12-13-2002, 1:59 PM
did you rinse the sand well?
latazyo
12-13-2002, 4:38 PM
I did not
should I do a 99% water change?
rjl420
12-13-2002, 4:58 PM
yeah definately, when the sand is shipped/moved around it creates dust which is why it is always best to rinse sand and gravel well. you may have to do a few water changes.
latazyo
12-13-2002, 5:43 PM
alright, I will, the water is not cloudy at all, but I think I'll stir up the sand again and change out some water
jiggerpolebill
12-13-2002, 6:09 PM
just out of curiosity, why are you wanting to use this sand? did ya score some from work or something?
jiggerpolebill
12-13-2002, 6:16 PM
double post - sorry
latazyo
12-13-2002, 6:24 PM
it is VERY attractive and was only 2 bucks at menards for 50# as opposed to the $1/1# the pet store wanted for "aquarium sand" this sand is way more attractive than any other sand I"ve seen
it is VERY fine and light tan, likje a desert or the ocean, it is absolutely gorgeous, if that is a good enough reason
Shiftaltumlock
12-13-2002, 7:12 PM
Some sand has sharp particles in it. This can cut and scratch the barbels on Cories and other bottom feeders.
Sand that I have noticed that has this problem is "Toys-R-Us" Playground sand.
latazyo
12-14-2002, 1:52 AM
alright, water test showed .5 ammonia and high Ph (typical to our area) so I don't know if i twas just chemical shock or whatnot, I'll try to add fish again sometime tomororw