Sand Bed.

[mmstillwell01]

I am staring up a 125gal saltwater tank with a sump.
My question is can I use Play sand as a base and then add a layer of live sand on top of it.
Will this be ok or will it mess something up?
Thank you.

 

[jaodissa]

I've read not to use play sand. It can have fine things in the sand that you wouldn't want in your tank. Whatever I read they were talking about silicate being released into the tank if you used it.

 

[twood]

I second Jaodissa. I too have read that play sand is not a good choice. Its often loaded with silicates that will cause major diatom blooms. In addition, play sand is not always aquarium safe and can be contaminated with chemicals that will kill fish and inverts.
What you can do is buy aquarium safe dry sand from a fish store or supplier. Aragonite sand is very popular. Then add some live sand to it. Or just add live rock. The "dead" sand will become live over time as bacteria and other organisms in the live rock move into the sand.