Silica Sand?

[jessesoto33]

Has anyone used silica sand, or play sand on their REEF before? if so please show a pic. and tell how many months or years up and running.

 

[atcdrifter]

how can u tell tha diff in a pic?

 

[LotsaFishies]

I would DEFINITELY avoid it. Silica based sand will leach SILICATES into your tank...just like Nitrates and Phosphates, Silicates = NUISANCE ALGAE!

My first SW tank I made the mistake of getting some sand from a local beach...which is a silica-based sand. I had horrendous diatom and hair algae blooms for well over a year until I heard about the difference between silica and calcium-based sands and figured out what was wrong. Also, silica based sand will NOT have the PH-buffering cababilities of calcium-based sand.

Hope that helps!

 

[L.A.-Lawman]

the play sand you are looking for is called "southdown" it is crushed coral and is just larger then OOlite.... homedepot and lowes carry it from time to time.....

 

[jessesoto33]

I know what I'm looking for now, it is called sandtastick white playsand, or Kolorscape sand, both are good, the only things is I can't seem to find it anywhere in my valley, at this point I am willing to travel for it does anyone have any ideas as to where to find this stuff?

 

[Letsgotothezoo]

I would stick with real live sand or crush corals.

Those play sand....hmmm I don't know. I wouldn't.:angel:

 

[jessesoto33]

I already know what I'm going to do, I am going to use sandtastick, or kolorscape sand 600 pounds, and 100 pounds of live sand, then wait 2 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JAHGYDI]

I already know what I'm going to do, I am going to use sandtastick, or kolorscape sand 600 pounds, and 100 pounds of live sand, then wait 2 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT

 

[jessesoto33]

Thanks!