play sand

Subject: play sand Thu Apr 09, 2009 11:59 pm

hey everyone. i got my 135 up and running. its freekin sweet. got it up and running and fish in it. im stoked.Ill get pics when i can but i also have to move all the stuff (appliances furniture etc) so it might be a while. heres my question. i bought some sand today and when i got it home i noticed that it says not for use in aquariums. its white extra fine play sand. well after i got it i saw it says not for use in aquariums. can anyone tel me what the problem with it could be?

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:44 am

I don't really know but it could have been cleaned with some kind of chemical that wouldn't be safe for your fish. But if it's not safe for fish how would it be safe for your children?
It may just be because it is so fine it would mess with you filters, I personally wouldn't use it. I would take it back and get pool filter sand. Maybe some of the experts can tell you something about it.

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:09 am

The "extra fine" part may be the problem. There may be a lot of silt and fine particles in it that will float in your water. I know people who have used play sand without issue but I'm not sure if it was the extra fine.

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:12 pm

I think it may just be because the sand can get into your filters. I don't think you will have a problem using it. Just rinse it really well and you should be all set. maybe put some in a bowl first to see if any floats as dirtydawg mentioned.

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:25 pm

I just read online that some play sand contains trace amounts of pesticides to prevent insect infestation in sand boxes. This may be the problem. I wouldn't take the risk. Pool filter sand is cheap and safe.

Mark

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:35 pm

You can also get quick crete sand from Lowes or Home Depot for like $7 a bag for a 50lb bag.

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:10 pm

I used pool filter sand in one of my 55g. $8 for a 50# bag

Subject: Re: play sand Fri Apr 10, 2009 5:29 pm

i would guess it could be treated with something,floats some, or could get in filter due to floating as the others have already said!but like mc said flush it real good and i would think you would be fine

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play sand

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* Fahrenheit - Centigrade Conversion
* Carbonate Hardness Unit Conversion
* Liquid measurements