Sand?

[reefin]

i know everyone uses the Southdown or yardright sand, but i can't get that on the west coast. what are the ingredients that are so good in those two, or which ingredients should i stay away from if i go with another brand?

 

[stacyt]

If I remeber correctly it's that they do not contain any silicate. Sand that contains silicate tend to cause algae problems. Quickrete also sells some sand that does not contain any silicates.

 

[a&m aggie 04']

aragonite is the base of southdown. Aragonite acts as a buffer. Quickcrete however i believe is a silicate based sand, and although will work does not have the same buffering capabilities. People have said that silicates can cause algae blooms, but i dont have any proof of that and have never heard any direct link to blooms.
HTH,
Mark

 

[reefin]

have either of you used a different type of sand?