The dreaded test..

markw

markw

Member
I am about to do the vinegar test on a bag of pavestone: High Desert Sand to see if it is a silicate or silica based sandand I come to find that all we have is apple cidar vinegar. I thought it was best to use white vinegar, but will this work the same?
Mark
 
natclanwy

natclanwy

Active Member
It should still work but regardless as long as its high quality sand and you rinse it before you add it to your tank you can use both silica and aragonite sand.
 
markw

markw

Member
Ok, so let me get this straight. When doing the test, I want lots of bubbles correct? A tablespoon ofsand to a cup full of water, shake for 3-5 mins and let sit for about 40 mins. I should see the sand settle and there to be clear water elsewhere correct?
Mark
 
natclanwy

natclanwy

Active Member
If it is silica sand it won't bubble at all so if you see any bubbles it calcium based sand. I have never heard of doing the other test you mentioned, I'm not exactly sure what its supposed to prove other than how fast does the sand settle out of suspension or if there are in organic materials in the sand.
 
markw

markw

Member
Ok, well after I finished the test with the apple cider vinegar, I tried to let it settle. Its been about an hour and a half since I put the solution together and the sand hasnt quite settled. I mean the vinegar is still cloudy. What does this mean? Will the sand still work?
Mark
 
locoyo386

locoyo386

Member
Originally Posted by Markw
http:///forum/post/3011505
Ok, well after I finished the test with the apple cider vinegar, I tried to let it settle. Its been about an hour and a half since I put the solution together and the sand hasnt quite settled. I mean the vinegar is still cloudy. What does this mean? Will the sand still work?
Mark
After you shaked it, let it sit for a couple of hours or so. If by then you do not see any sand settle than you are good to go. If you see sand settle, than I would not use it.
 
markw

markw

Member
Ok, well the sand is still not settled and its been about 3.5-4 hours, so I guess im okay?
Mark
 
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