Southdown sand??

[kbaker721]

My question is can use use Southdown sand in all tanks not just saltwater tanks? Can I use it in my cichlid tank, or my "general" freshwater tank? I just put some in my 10 gal that I am going to make a little sw tank and it looks really nice - especially compared to artificial gravel. Any side effects or concerns or can it be used in all tanks?? Thanks

[wetmanNY]

I guess you need to know what's in "Southdown sand."

[fishfreek]

Sure I see no problem with adding it to any tank.

Its aragonite based sand that is ground up into very small sugar grain size particles.

For the most part its only available in the north east of the US from your local Home Depot stores.

Look for the prodcut to be called Southdown Tropical Play Sand.

[slipknottin]

Id only use it if you want fish that like high Ph, high KH water.

[fishlips]

I am currently using south down in my african tank and don't like it. The grains are too small and float around the tank only to stick on everything. The filter picks up this film and clogs it up sooner than my other tanks. I would pick a substrate with larger paticals and save time on clean up. I know I will, the next time.

[fishfreek]

Originally posted by fishlips
I am currently using south down in my african tank and don't like it. The grains are too small and float around the tank only to stick on everything. The filter picks up this film and clogs it up sooner than my other tanks. I would pick a substrate with larger paticals and save time on clean up. I know I will, the next time.

How long have you had the sand in the tank?

This is not my experence with southdown sand. Then again I have not tried it in the freshwater enviorment.

[fishlips]

I'd say around three months or so. I'm convinced its too fine which inturn makes a mess. All my rock work and plants are covered with soot, not to mention the glass. This spring I'll be redoing the tank to a courser sand.

[OrionGirl]

I know everyone brags about Southdown, but really, any kind of sand can be used. The argonite will help with maintaining a high pH, but that isn't always desired.

Regular silica is fine. Unless your pH drops to around 3, it is stable and easily used. If your pH does drop down, I think the silica sand will be the least of your problems.