Using beach sand

Jetsetter57 · Apr 19, 2015

Was down at the dog beach last week and noticed all the pyrite and black sand mixed in with the brown sand and thought it'd look great in a big tank. Obviously being live it would add a bunch of beneficial bacteria and being free is a plus.
Any rules or regs against it? Using dry sand shouldn't have any parasites or diseases so that's safe.

I'm not keen on buying 600lbs of sand to the 600 gal tank and it's certainly soft enough for sting Rays

Thoughts?

LotsaFishies · Apr 19, 2015

Don't do it!

The sand we use in our aquarium is a calcium-based sand. As it breaks down it helps buffer the ph. Our local beaches have a silica-based sand which does NOT have the ph-buffering you will want, and even more importantly it releases silicates! Just like phosphates and nitrates = nuisance algae food.

Greaser9999 · Apr 19, 2015

Dude... Don't u dare do it!!

Remember, sand from the local beaches is dirty and contaminated just like the water from all the pollution & crap that gets released back to the ocean. U will probably unleash something u will greatly regret after

Jetsetter57 · Apr 19, 2015

I thought the silica based sands were found in inland areas and coastal sand was calcium based because of the millions of years of broken down coral and organics(dead fishes).

Jetsetter57 · Apr 19, 2015

Greaser9999 said:

That just makes me want to now, hah.

LAreefguy · Apr 19, 2015

If and its a big if you where to use it you would have 2 really clean it really well.

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Scout · Apr 19, 2015

There are laws prohibiting the collection. But that being said do what you want, just expect the worst case scenario, breaking down your 600gallon tank, cleaning it, buying the sand like you should have done in the first place, and starting all over again.

Greaser9999 · Apr 19, 2015

Jetsetter57 said:

Edited my first comment lol

Fly5150 · Apr 19, 2015

Ocean sand, might as well get scripts water while your at it. Free sand and water

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maze531 · Apr 19, 2015

What's wrong with scripps water?

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Jetsetter57 · Apr 19, 2015

Wow such anger and hostility from a thought. I didn't say look at my 600gal tank with beach sand in it. Everyone must be pissy from not be able to go to MAX or something. The dry sand way back from the shore break should in theory have less contaminants and with a thorough rinse and repeat method and a proper cycle I figured it should be fine but I'll do some more Internet trolling to see if anyone has done it and had any first hand experience. Any other explorative comments are welcome. Again this is just a thought. I do appreciate the helpful sciencey comments too

Any experiment I can do to check what the sand does? Maybe a 50gal drum with saltwater and a 10pounds maybe? Circ pump? Heater?

LAreefguy · Apr 19, 2015

Jetsetter57 said:

Yea, I think it's a great idea to test out first. See what the water perms are after a good cleaning and then keeping in a tank for a little while. I think it's a great shortcut for saving money but again only if it really works. Can you imagine filling a whole tank with it then having to take it out lol back pain!!!!!!

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Fly5150 · Apr 19, 2015

maze531 said:

Nothing. I would use it if I had close access. I was saying he can get the water with the sand.

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maze531 · Apr 19, 2015

Oh ok lol

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Zoarder · Apr 19, 2015

Its only $450 in sand. Someone with a 600 gallon tank should be pocket change

LOL jk!

Greaser9999 · Apr 19, 2015

Jetsetter57 said:

U posted a thread seeking advice and your getting it. No one is pissy, everyone here just knows better!! In the end you are free to do as you please, good luck if u choose to add beach sand

SJCfisherman · Apr 19, 2015

Zoarder said:

This is very true

Jetsetter57 · Apr 19, 2015

600gal was $600. If I was a baller and could buy new I wouldn't be worrying about the budget.

Greaser9999 · Apr 19, 2015

Jetsetter57 said:

If ur trying to save a few bucks maybe u can post in the WTB, I see peeps on here give it away all the time free or very cheap!! Might take a bit to get that large amount together but it's doable I'm sure

StarBlenny · Apr 19, 2015

LotsaFishies said:

+1. All the Calcium based rocks are dissolved/broken down due to river turbulence/weathering. Besides, we don't have any actual reefs in Socal.... Florida or Hawaii would have Calcium sand though.

Besides, we have oil platforms here in Socal and I occasionally find sticky tar in the sand. Pretty annoying to wash off.

Using beach sand

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