Type of sand for Sandbeds

[tyrisis]

Will silica sand work for a sandbed?

Looking to start a 125 gal tank!!! 20 gal sump.

also i have lighting ballests rated for 95w ( from an 8' fixture) will they run a VHO 4' bulb?

Ty

[rottn]

I've heard mixed opinions on silica sand. I've heard some people say that they use it with no problems. I've also heard others say that silica is a main contributor to diatom blooms.

I've never used it, and I don't have any desire to ever use it personally.

[Chrismo]

I think silica sand would work. But Aragonite will work much better, just because it will slowly dissolve and help maintain calcium levels.

Silica is basically glass which hopefully doesnt dissolve into silicates, otherwise our tanks would leak! :)

Also silica sand is very uniform size. maybe too uniform, and it tends to have sharp edges, which dcerases surface area per particle. Surface area is what bacteria live on.

But it would still work, I image better than crushed coral, in most ways.

Chris

[afss]

As Chris said, silica based sand shouldn't leach silicates into your tank, otherwise your tank would be doing so also.

Personally i just like the look of the aragonite stuff better. If you can get to the states you can try to find southdown or yard right or old castle sands. Locally there is the Bomix sand. I saw some and it is very white, however the sand particle sizes don't appear to be as ideal as those of the southdown type sands.

This being said, I think a DSB from silica based sands would work, probably just not quite as effectively as one set up with the proper sand. Also not sure if you would be more likely to run into problems down the road due to the different grain size.

Scott

[fishjinx]

I Also Heard that Silicates Leak, and In My Opinion I would Stay Away From Them Too.

[Chrismo]

I must say that though I dont thinksilicates would leak.. I myself wouldnt risk it.

[afss]

From what i have read on RC silica sand will not leach silicates into your tank. I myself wouldn't use silicate for other reasons such as grain size, but thats just me.

Scott

[kadaytar]

I read the coral farm story of Blane Perun(thesea.org). He told that he used Southdown Play sand he bought from Home Depot at very good price. Has anybody tried Home Depot for Southdown Playsand?

Kadir

[Chrismo]

Only home depots in the eastern states. The one accross the lexington? bridge by niagra falls used to have it. Their phone number is on a post by me from about a year ago. Last I heard they were out, but maybe it in stock again.

[VolitanVixen]

Lexington is in Kentucky :P i think you're thinking of the Queenston-Lewiston bridge ... honest mistake, but i thought it was cute :)

[afss]

You may have to look for yard-right or old castle. I am not sure if southdown still packaged the sand under the southdown name. Basically you need to ask for these brands and then have a representative do a visual to make sure that it really is the white tropical sand as they also package other sands. If you go to get the sand you probably should do a vinegar test on it to make sure it is calcium based.

HTH

Scott

[Chrismo]

I kinda knew it wasnt lexington... but that sure would be a nice drive!
:)

[tyrisis]

Thank you guys, I will NOT be using the silica sand :) Just thought i would ask as I have about 200 - 300 lbs sitting at the shop!!! :)