silica sand

[scott270]

i went to hd to get some playsand and the sand they have is premium washed playsand but it is silica based, is it ok

 

[jeo]

from what I have read it is fine, if you look at my old post (Quickcrete playsand fine for tank?) you should be able to find all the info you need. Also read this article on the subject: <a href="http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen9.html" target="_blank">http://www.reefs.org/library/article/r_toonen9.html</a>

 

[jester]

What your looking for is Southdown tropical play sand. It is much better than the silica based stuff. It is hard to find, but if you talk to the manager, he might do a locater search and get you some.

 

[scott270]

will sand do any buffering for the ph or will i have to add a buffer alot

 

[nacl-h2o]

Silica sand will not buffer, but is OK to use. Aragonite sand will buffer and southdown is an aragonite sand.

 

[diatom]

Actually the buffering capabilities of argonite sand are overblown. If your ph is at a level where it disolves your sand...you've got more trouble then a little argonite can solve.
Particle size is far more important then sand composision.

 

[jeo]

I agree with Diatom

 

[scott270]

what is best fine or course
do you think the premium play sand(silica based) will be ok when it is fed with ls

 

[diatom]

Scott~
Fine is better the course.
And it should be fine when seeded with LS. Just make sure to put the play sand down first then the LS on top.