[Meric]

I really want to have a DSB on my new 125G tank. However I am not willing to pay the $45.00 per 40lb bag at the LFS. I have gone to 3 different LFS in my area and all have been in the same price range. I have only found 3 LFS that stock Saltwater products. Oh and it is not just Sand they mark up, One of the biggest pet stores in the city was selling the SeaChem Phosphate test kits for $32.95 and 96W 50/50 Powercompact Lightbulbs for $90.00 each.

I have looked and there is no Southdown/Yardright that I can find in any of the Local Hardware stores in a 25 Mile radius.

So I am left with 2 choices. Silica Sand or Crushed Limestone. Both a very inexpensive. I would like to know if Crushed limestone can be used since it appears to be in abundance around here. I live in St. Louis and I guess all we have is limestone. Also explains why my water hardness without a softener is around 35Dh and a PH of 9.8

The crushed Limestone I was looking at had very small particles. It looked like flour, but was concerned it may not be healthy for the tank, even though it is mostly calcium.

Has anyone tried crushed limestone as a substrate?

Is it usable or will it just cloud my tank?