Sand

[auslicious]

When I set up my tank, I want to use sand as the substrate. Can I use beach sand, sifted and washed well in freshwater or is this just asking for trouble?
None of the LFS in my area seems to sell sand only small coral bits and to buy enough to give me a good base for a 135gal will cost an arm and a leg.
Buying from somewhere online is out of the question as I'm an Aussie and the exchange rate, shipping etc would make it the most expensive sand in the world. Any suggestions??? Thanks

 

[tangs_in_pacifica]

G'day,
A few thoughts:
-There are numerous sources on-line for both dry and live sand. Though shipping costs are a bit high, it merits investigation
-Having recently been to the Gold Coast, I must say that you've got a much better shot at getting good clean sand than many of us yanks. I would, however, use the search feature on this board to find out the good, the bad and the ugly on this subject. Personaly, though I live a few hundred yards from the Ocean, I still get sand from the LFS.
-A home improvement store in the US, Home Depot, has a product they call "Playsand" that is actually high-quality reef sand. You might want do do some searching for this as well.
Best of luck and welcome to the board... good to have an Aussie around

 

[auslicious]

G'day
I looked back through some old posts and decided that I would be better off to buy sand and will keep searching for a good supplier. Thanks!
I hope you enjoyed your visit down under, its a pretty cool place

 

[b_ball12_99]

Good choice since sand near shores are generally usually pulleted in some way or another.