substrate question

[Trent]

After looking for play sand in the area I was redirected to a pool shop. I was told to get some pure silica. The only thing that was close was a sandy mineral used in industry I hear. Used in pool construction I guess. Named Nepheline Syenite. I want to start cycling but am afraid of contamination of the system. Any comments? thanks.

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

I think Southdown playsand is the stuff you want. You can get it in the US (HD) or some local reefers may have some left over.

Silica sand can be used as an alternative material for sandbeds if you can't get the "fancy" playsand. My suggestion is to use sandblasting sand -- they come in many flavours including silica sand. In Vancouver, this stuff sells for about $9 for 50 lb bag at a local sand/rocks distributor. Sandblasting sand can be found at stores that sell sandblasting equipment too. Sandblasting sand tends to be very clean since impurities in the sand can cause sandblasting machines to failure prematurely. Sandblasting sand comes in many sizes. IMHO, a good mix of different sand bead sizes improves the sand bed's efficiency and diversity.

There are several negative parts about using domestic materials in reefs such as Sandblasting sand. There is no guarantee that it is 100% pure sand. IMHO, I would run a magnet through the sand and ensure that metals are not in the sand. I would also take a sample of the sand and put it in water -- check if an oil slick forms. Also, I would make sure the bag is in good condition (i.e. no water/chemical damage). A "sort of" negative part of the sand is that it is not really white -- more like ivory. It is true that Caribsea and Southdown sand is not very white either, but it is close enough.

Nepheline Syenite information is inside this link:
http://www.state.ar.us/agc/nephelin.htm
IMHO I wouldn't go for it. It is too much risk for your tank and it doesn't have much of an advantage...except cost.

Hope that helps.

- Victor.

[afss]

hey trent.
get in touch with me. I am in saint catharines and will be making a trip to the us to get aragonite sand.. south down or yard right. Its cheap, and its the same stuff as aragamax except a bit smaller grain size.

Scott

[Trent]

Great thanks. I had a feeling I shouldn't add the Nepheline. Afss, yes, I would be glad to put in my order for some proper material.
I'll be monitoring to find out then, where, and $. And thanks Drew for not selling me the fiji sand at those prices. I'm sure you don't get paid on commision. Well, I'm off to Casino Windsor for another delivery of meat and seafood.

[afss]

you can out in an order, or you can make the trip with us.. we will only be going to the buffalo/tonowanda area and will probably be checking out the 2 lfs in tonowanda while we are there
Scott

[afss]

well I made a trip over to the states tonight... I managed to get 6 bags. 2 are for mitch, the other 4 are up for grabs. As trent asked first he has first dibs, then anyone else that is interested. I am asking 12.50 a 50lb bag of south down aragonite. The bags cost me about 9.50 by the time you include exchange rates and taxes, the rest will cover gas etc.

I may be able to get more if people are interested. :D let me know

Scott

[IJO]

Are you in the Ottawa area?

[Trent]

Good to hear about the arrival of the southdown sand. I'm available all day today (wed.) Bought an old truck just for picking up things as these. Best 400$ I ever spent. Scott, let me know when or what time is good for you. I'm only about 20 mins away.

[afss]

I should be home most of the evening.. give me a call at 905 685 3635

Scott

[myinfo]

Scott:


Send you aPM earlier.


Ken

[afss]

sorry about that.. just pm'd you

[myinfo]

Scott:


Thanks for the help!

Pls just let me know if you have the sand.

Ken

[afss]

will do.. I'll let you know as soon as i get it