Silicate Sand

[pmob7714]

Hello. I was wondering if there was an easy way to tell the difference between silicate and aragonite sand. I used a really fine white sand as a base for my sand bed and the bag said nothing about what it is made of. The brand name was Nature's Ocean and it says it is 100% natural if that helps.

 

[spanish dancer]

It most likely is aragonite if it is "natural" like it says.

 

[talath]

Pour a small amount of vinegar onto the sand. If it fizzes, it's probably calcium carbonate (aragonite). If it doesn't, it's silicate.

 

[pmob7714]

thanks

 

[zoejeun]

Ok im going to invade this thread and ask
Which is better?
-bought 40 lbs of "Live arag-alive aragonite reef sand color fiji pink"-
-hopes its good enough- X_X!!

 

[talath]

I'll speak for the consensus and say that Aragonite is better, for the following reasons.

• Buffers pH, where silica will not
• Redisolves calcium into your system over time
  Redisolves Strontium into your system over time
  Was at one time corals, and possesses a high potential to become coral again in your aquarium. <')||||||<{