[Fish R.Ph.]

Hello all,

I live in Central Massachusetts and thought I would head to Home Depot for some of that good ole' Southdown or Oldcastle or Tropical Playsand for the Carribean sand (ie silica free stuff). I discovered that, at least here, they don't stock it anymore, but had a brand distributed by OldCastle called "Kolorscape" white play sand. I had my handy vinegar bottle with me, but after dropping in a pinch I didn't see much, if any, "fizz" (which I assume would indicate a carbonate base, as opposed to silica? ). I bought one bag anyway.

It looked like this:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...h_IM000142.jpg


Anyway, determined to find the stuff, I went to another local Home Depot (they build 'em practically right on top of each other here in MA). Here they had what looked like an almost identical bag of white sand, but with the name "Durascape" on it, distributed by Durascape O.S.P. When doing my vinegar test here, I seemed to notice a bit more of a "fizz" (small bubbles being produced, then it stopped), but nothing too powerful either. I bought 4 bags anyway. They look like this:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...h_IM000143.jpg

If I had taken a closer photo, you would be able to see that the top of the first bag says "Kolorscape" and the other "Durascape". Aside from that, the sand bags look almost identical.

The Home Depot clerk told me that this Durascape stuff was the same thing they carried last year, and was called "Tropical Playsand from the Carribean" by Oldcastle. Hmmmm.

So I went home and thought I would call OldCastle in PA. I did. What I was told is that their supplier from the Carribean is no longer in business, thus they no longer distribute a "silica free sand" . The Kolorscape and Durascape are both the same (she said), simply distributed through different channels. Both bags claim to contain silica.

Here's my question...would you use this sand in your aquariums? Is silica that bad? Some people actually seem to recommend dosing silica, in the absence of cyano blooms. Has anyone had a bad experience with this stuff? Obviously if I can save some money here, while getting a sand that looks really nice (IMO), I would be happy. But I'd rather do it right and do it over!

Thanks. Also, if I have any of my facts incorrect above, feel free to correct.

-Jason

[The R/C Man]

Hey Jason!

What size tank do you have and how deep of a sand bed are you planning to have? If it is a really large tank and you are going to have a deep sand bed then you may want to see about finding some southdown. If not then I wouldn't worry about the extra money you will save. In the long run the play sand may have many particals that will be released into your tank over a period of years as they break down. Eventually causing you some major problems or even a crash. My new 375 gallon is getting "the made for aquariums" stuff despite the large price tag. It is a peace of mind thing...

[Reefland]

I would agree. The silica based sands have many reported users that are totally satisfied however I would not risk it. Silica is known to cause diatoms and that is something I would not want to fight. The question is will it dissolve? How fast? Will it be at a rate that causes problems? Too many unknowns for me, I would go for the good stuff.

[Fish R.Ph.]

Originally Posted by Reefland

I would agree....I would go for the good stuff.

Okay...looks like I've got a few bags to start my kids sandbox with next year now!

I'll keep checking around other Home Depot and garden centers for the good stuff, and if no success I guess I'll wait for a Reefland sponsor to have a good deal, reduced shipping sale, etc., or a LFS!

By the way, I am starting a 75 Gallon tank...I was able to buy it used, along with the stand, canopy, and 1 corner overflow for $200.00. I plan to put a 30 gallon tank/fuge underneath (I picked this up from a LFS that was closing for 20 bux).

I'll post pictures and probably a LOT more questions shortly...

Thanks!!

-Jason

[yankeebobo]

Sounds like you are getting ready for a cool project.

[Poseidon]

Hey Jason, I bought some of that stuff for my kids sandbox this year. I thought it was going to be "soft" like the southdown was... IT'S NOT! Nasty stuff actually. It leaves a white residue on everything, kinda like a concrete dust. My wife "accused" me of buying concrete sand... It is also very COARSE and rough on the hands, not something I would want a goby passing thru his gills that's for sure. If it is true there no longer is a distributor for the good stuff, then you will just have to go with the $30 a bag stuff.....

Grab a handfull of that stuff and rub it between your hands, you will see what I mean!