cheap sand

[CrownSushi]

planning another (bigger) tank with sump....

for sand bed,
I heard 'southdown' and 'kolor scape' can be used.
I saw 'Dixie' by oldcatsle at Kmart, bought a bag, did vinegar test...no bubble...
then, I can't use it?

any idea or suggestion??

[verper]

There is no cheap sand around Ohio any more.  The last of the Southdown/OldCastle was bought up two summers ago.  I plan on getting some Carib Sea from Joel when he is back in town.

[micki]

I used carib sea sugarfine aragonite. I didn't use the live stuff and had no problems. 

[Hunter21]

I have Carib sea sand in my tank as well!

[Slicktrax]

you will here many opinions on not using aragonite based sand.  many people say that the silica based sand will leach silicon and cause diatom blooms.  and just as many people say that they use the silica based sand without problems.  i have not found any scientific reports with an opinion one way or the other.

[Hunter21]

is the carib sea sand silica based? as I feel that is the root of my algae problems. I was kinda thinking going BB on my 55 but not sure though!

[Slicktrax]

i believe carib sea is aragonite (calcium carbonate based).  someone will correct me if i am wrong.

[micki]

You are correct Rick...

[Hunter21]

ok

[CrownSushi]

One of my friends plans to go to beach for vacation.
and I ask him to get a bucket of sand....

Is this okay?
I mean...legal, moral, or safety issue?

[Slicktrax]

legal depends on where you are.  moral is up to you (i dont have a problem with it).  safety, be careful where you get it from, many beaches have significant amounts of pollution or high levels bacteria.

[verper]

I've heard of people using beach sand but many recommend that you get it offshore for it to be clean.

[micki]

I've heard of people using beach sand but many recommend that you get it offshore for it to be clean.

This is what I've heard as well.  What is on the beaches that we walk on is usually very polluted and dirty.  Would cause big problems in your tank I would think.