Is this sand safe?

[enrique4jc]

I have been talking for several months about switching my tanks over to sand. I tried a pool supply store for pool filter sand, but the stuff he had was all chemically treated. Last week I went to Lowes, and picked up a bag of premium play sand. However, I noticed that on the bag it says that it has been treated with a dust retardant for optimum play. Is this a problem for my tank or will it be okay?

 

[jagr200]

I have no idea but if I were you I would get some sand from drsfostersmith.com It is only like $20.00 a bag and is completly safe. And shipping was only $10 for 60lbs of black moon sand.

 

[enrique4jc]

I've seen that stuff and I think it would look pretty awesome. However, its also signicantly more expensive than the other sands. What do others think about the Black Tahitian Moon Sand versus standard play sand or pool sand?

 

[jagr200]

I have seen both and believe the black sand looks stunning! It makes your fish look alot more colorful and the plants look much more natural. Most fish like darker substrate anyway.

 

[destined_love7]

I don't know about the play sand, but I bought the all purpose sand from Lowe's for about $4 for 50 lbs. Washed it really good and tossed it in. I love the way it looks and the cories and ADFs really seem to like it.

 

[Reddog80p]

I'd try another pool supply store. The stuff I got said nothing about being chemically treated. Pool filter sand is alot bigger grain size than play sand, It's also heavier. So it dont get sucked up while vaccing as easy, and needs next to no rinsing before adding.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1136904&postcount=6

 

[echoofformless]

For the really good stuff try to find Quikrete medium sand. That is grain sized right between play sand and pool filter sand - so you get the more natural look of the play sand coupled with the easier cleaning of the pool filter sand. Thing is a lot of people report it's difficult to find in many areas. I have a Lowe's near me that stocks it so I have several bags in reserve in case it stops coming in.

 

[MaryPa]

I use Lowe`s contractors sand and play sand in my tanks. Never saw anything on either bag about being chemically treated. Must be something new so i`ll keep my eyes open for now on.

 

[cheizy]

Play sand is very dirty, you would need to clean it verrrrry well. It has smaller grains than say pool sand, making it lighter thus harder to vac. I use pool sand, 50pound bag for 9.99 at leslie's pool supply.