[rjs5134]

I found sand in a Home Depot in NJ that I believe is Aragonite sand. It is distributed by Oldcastle as "play sand". But it says on the package not for hardscaping or aquariums. It has a warning that it may contain a small amount if silica which could be cancer causing. How can "play sand" be cancer causing? Could this be the aragonite sand that has been recommended for DSB on Reefland? I'm hoping they say it's not for aquariums so they can distribute under a different name for more money.

[Ninong]

It if contains a warning about containing a "small amount of silica," then it's quartz play sand and not aragonite play sand. Silica dust is carcinogenic if inhaled.

Play sand can be either quartz or aragonite. Oldcastle sells both. If it's aragonite, the bag will include this phrase: "Tropical Play Sand from the Caribbean."

If that phrase is missing, it's not aragonite.

P.S. -- You can always test it with vinegar just to be sure. If you add a few drops of vinegar to aragonite sand (CaCO3), it will fizz as the carbon dioxide is released. Or, if you add a teaspoon of aragonite sand to a half cup of vinegar, it will completely dissolve given enough time. Quartz sand (SiO2) does not release CO2 and it does not dissolve in vinegar.

[rjs5134]

Well, I did the vinegar test and it failed. Guess I have to keep looking. Anyhow, I have bigger problems than sand right now, bulkeads on tank and sump are leaking and I have to drain everything again. Thanks for yor quick repsonse Ninong.

[Ninong]

It's possible to use quartz sand in a reef aquarium. It's not something I would do personally but some people do it. You should definitely rinse it well first to remove any silica dust.

However, in your case, since you live in New Jersey, it shouldn't be all that hard to find Oldcastle's aragonite play sand. Just keep looking. It will be in the garden department at Home Depot. It's seasonal. It shows up in early spring and then is gone by late summer. Towards the end of the season, they usually cut the price in half. As long as the bag says "Tropical Play Sand from the Caribbean" you're home free. That's the good stuff. You can test it when you get it home if you want to but it's definitely aragonite if you find that phrase on the bag.

P.S. -- Ignore any so-called warnings printed on the bag about not using it in an aquarium.