Black Blast sand. Is it safe?

[DrgRcr]

The link seems to be dead. IDK, but I'd be afraid to use any type of coal or coal byproduct. Isn't there a chance of harmful substances leeching out of coal, like petroleum or hydrocarbon elements?

 

[dundadundun]

well, i'll try one more time... http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...82-silica-sandblasting-sand-black-beauty.html

this is what was in the link...

I've also been using Black Beauty for about a year now. I love the look of it, and I haven't noticed any changes in Kh/GH/Ph. Mine looks a little finer then yours. Iv'e herd that plant roots can be cut by the sharp edges, but I haven't noticed it my self. Also like you said it does get dirty rather quickly. I have a powerhead blowing lightly across it to help.
I found this info in my research :


Black Beauty® Abrasive

AKA: Boiler slag, coal slag


Chemical Name:

An amorphous mixture of Fe, Al, and Ca silicates

Description:

A black boiler slag abrasive with the following advantages: low
moisture content, high degree of etch for permanent bonding of coatings,
readily used in standard equipment in commerce, inert, fast cutting due
to sharp angular edges, hardness, more economical,longer lasting and
leaves minimum dust

Typical Chemical Composition

Silicon Dioxide= 47.20%,
Aluminum oxide= 21.39%,
Titanium dioxide= 1.01%,
Ferric oxide= 19.23%,
Calcium oxide= 6.80%,
Magnesium Oxide= 1.47%,
Potassium Oxide= 1.60% and
Sodium Oxide= 0.62%

Grades:

Utility Grade #BB1043- A coarse grade used for tough blasting jobs

Medium Grade #BB1243- Used for general purpose repair and maintenance
blasting

Fine Grade #BB2043- Used for new construction, light paint and rust
removal, and for special maintenance applications requiring reduced
profiles

Extra Fine Grade #BB3063- Used to clean surfaces and create a smooth
finish, Brush-Off Blast, or in a high pressure water blast system

Typical Physical Properties:

Particle Shape angular, sharp
Specific Gravity (g/cm3) 2.7

Bulk Density (g/cm3) 75-1-- lbs. per cu. ft.

Melting Point (°C) greater than 2300
Moisture Content less than 0.5%
Conductivity @230°C (cal/s-cm-°C) less than 25 micro Siemens
Mohs Hardness @20°C 6-7
Free Silica less than 1%


Typical Applications:

Used frequently as an sandblast abrasive on sea faring vessels, tanks,
aggregate exposure, castings, structural steel, buildings, railroad
equipment and bridges.

Packaging:

Multiply paper bags, bulk bags and loose bulk

TSCA (SARA Title III) Status:

Unknown. For further information please call the E.P.A.
at 1.800.535.0202

CAS Number:

68476-96-0

Carcinogenicity:
o NTP= No
o IARC Monographs= No
o OSHA Regulated= No

Safety Comment:

When used as a blasting abrasive, carefully review and
follow the recommendations stated in the Material Safety Data Sheet

Trademark:

Black Beauty is a registered trademark of Harsco Corporation, and Black
Beauty ® Abrasive is manufactured by Harsco through its Reed Minerals
Division.

apparently folks have used it and "not reported any problems". it's definitely a judgement call but many of the things that are listed are common. i'm pretty sure i wouldn't use it with cories or other "soft bellied" sensitive fish.

 

[NJS3]

Hello Bazil323,
I read your post on the black blast sand and was wondering how it turned out for you? I have a 70g tank
that has an UGF in it now and was wondering if it made things easier or more difficult? I'm handicapped
but met a gentleman who had several tanks with it in and they were gorgeous! Thanks, I'm new here so
I hope I didn't miss how it went for you.
Best regards,
Nancy

 

[toddnbecka]

I put 100 lbs of Black Diamond (same thing, different brand from Tractor Supply) in my 220, cost me less than one 20 lb bag of black aquarium sand from Petco.

 

[verbal]

I put 100 lbs of Black Diamond (same thing, different brand from Tractor Supply) in my 220, cost me less than one 20 lb bag of black aquarium sand from Petco.

Do you use it with catfish?

 

[wesleydnunder]

just wanted to throw this :: i wouldn't think there'd be too mu... been used for years with no problems. Mark

 

[shewolfgeo]

I have it in a 29 and a 55. The 55 has some rams in it no problems, plants to fine in it too. The 29 has baby angels and no problems. Just needs to be washed a lot before using.

 

[Navyscuba]

I got it in 3 tanks one with Discus and Angels, one with shrimps, and the other tank is a 150 with oscars, Frontosas and JD's. No scaring like you get with other sands that are sharp. One thing is that needs to be rinse a lot tho.

 

[toddnbecka]

Do you use it with catfish?

There are 8 juvie Synodontis lucipinnis and at least a dozen BN (handful of nearly adults and a number of fry that hitchiked inside a resin ornament) in the tank, as well as a couple of Tang spiney eels. I'll be adding a goby cichlid soon, so we'll see how the sandsifters like it.
One thing I did notice when rinsing it was a thin film of oil on the water surface in the bucket. The water was considerably less cloudy than with sand or fine-grade gravel though, and rinsed clear much more quickly and easily.

 

[Navyscuba]

There are 8 juvie Synodontis lucipinnis and at least a dozen BN (handful of nearly adults and a number of fry that hitchiked inside a resin ornament) in the tank, as well as a couple of Tang spiney eels. I'll be adding a goby cichlid soon, so we'll see how the sandsifters like it.
One thing I did notice when rinsing it was a thin film of oil on the water surface in the bucket. The water was considerably less cloudy than with sand or fine-grade gravel though, and rinsed clear much more quickly and easily.

The thin film on top is not oil is the small particles floating. If it was oil all your fish would be dead. Another thing is if it was oil it would make a prism in the water with light.