Has anyone bleached sand and used in marine tank?

[Hassan]

Has anyone bleached the regular sand or sand from Lake and used it in marine tanks. How did you do that, does it turn out white. Pros and Cons. Thanks!

[chineseknife1]

I would think that this type of sand would be silicate of some sort and since it isn't directly related to the ocean I wouldn't use it. Turn white?Don't know.
As for the how to: Lay the sand out in a thin layer and dry it out in the sun. Rinse several times. Try using vinegar to rinse initially then use fresh water. if the vinegar causes the asnd to bubble then it may have a some buffering capacity, but I wouldn't count on it. This sand is probably not going to buffer your system like crushed coral or aragonite would, lending yourself to constant parameter checks.
HTH!

[ajx22]

Not a good idea, as you have no idea what else is contained with the sand (ie. metals/chemicals/etc.).

There are many threads about sand here on AP.ca - use the Search features, and you will find them. There are various thoughts on this topic - however - this is not a hobby that you want to skimp out on - especially on the foundations of your tank (ie. rock/substrate/etc.). Things like this can cause pollution of the tank that will plague you and your tank with problems for the duration.

HTH,

[vaporize]

Has anyone bleached the regular sand or sand from Lake and used it in marine tanks. How did you do that, does it turn out white. Pros and Cons. Thanks!

Just a simple question, do you think it's worth it to save $50 on sand and kill $2000 worth of corals and fish in the long run :P

[chineseknife1]

Just a simple question, do you think it's worth it to save $50 on sand and kill $2000 worth of corals and fish in the long run :P
That about sums it up.

[Chrismo]

Agreed. I would think that even the playsand you buy for $5 a bag at home depot would be cleaner/safer than sand from the lake.

Of course the safest sand is likely the stuff sold for Reef use.
Chris

[Hassan]

Thanks guys,

This question came from friend of mine. I have never done it so I thought I should ask. I use Aroganite for myself, better be safe than sorry :)