Fresh water sand for salt water?

underseaworld · 03-11-2005, 03:04 PM

This may sound stupid but can sand from a fresh water lake be used in a salt water tank? If cleaned, rinsed, and maybe dried out to kill any of the fresh water critters that may be on it?

Again thanks.

Samper · 03-11-2005, 04:41 PM

I doubt you would ever find any Ca based sand in a FW lake. Silicates are also a problem. Some people use sand like that in a reef and I'm sure if washed and rinsed you could get by with it. The problem with quartz sand is that the edges are very sharp and it's not very good for encouraging growth of sand bed infauna. The other problem is that you would have no buffering capabilities and this is the reason most people use a Ca based sand.

***zhenya*** · 03-11-2005, 06:39 PM

I agree with Chuck that aragonite sand is best.However, if you'd like to use plain silica sand why not use any dry sand from the store? It does not have any critters to worry about and it's cheap.

I know some people that used it and so far they are not having any problems, as long as the particle size is not overly large. Are you thinking of making a deep sand bed or just for looks?

underseaworld · 03-11-2005, 07:27 PM

I was just asking because my sister has a 125 gl reef tank. And she lives near lake erie. She was asking me that question so I thought I would post to see what the deal is with different types of sand.

and again thanks

03-11-2005, 03:04 PM	#1
underseaworld Citizen Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tonopah, AZ Posts: 205	Fresh water sand for salt water? This may sound stupid but can sand from a fresh water lake be used in a salt water tank? If cleaned, rinsed, and maybe dried out to kill any of the fresh water critters that may be on it? Again thanks.

03-11-2005, 04:41 PM	#2
Samper Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,760	I doubt you would ever find any Ca based sand in a FW lake. Silicates are also a problem. Some people use sand like that in a reef and I'm sure if washed and rinsed you could get by with it. The problem with quartz sand is that the edges are very sharp and it's not very good for encouraging growth of sand bed infauna. The other problem is that you would have no buffering capabilities and this is the reason most people use a Ca based sand. __________________ Keep your heart pure conceive your own dreams Respect your fellow man the earth and the trees.

03-11-2005, 06:39 PM	#3
*zhenya* Owner Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: new jersey,usa Posts: 7,708	I agree with Chuck that aragonite sand is best.However, if you'd like to use plain silica sand why not use any dry sand from the store? It does not have any critters to worry about and it's cheap. I know some people that used it and so far they are not having any problems, as long as the particle size is not overly large. Are you thinking of making a deep sand bed or just for looks? __________________ Kind regards, Gene.

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03-11-2005, 07:27 PM	#4
underseaworld Citizen Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Tonopah, AZ Posts: 205	I was just asking because my sister has a 125 gl reef tank. And she lives near lake erie. She was asking me that question so I thought I would post to see what the deal is with different types of sand. and again thanks

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