can i use play sand?

i have heard a lot of controversy over the use of play sand in aquariums. its 3.00 for 40 lbs so its real cheap. i know they have silicates and the diatoms would take care of that right? just want some ideas so i can save some $$$ in the long run. thanks.

 

What play sand is is simply silicate free sand as silicates can cause lung problems in kids when its breathed in according to all the new experts , I as a kid used to play in piles of Brick and mortar sand never harmed us but we where not bubble kids in those days , If it a sand then its fine its a pure aragonite sand usually its from the Bahamas beaches . All that controversy was started by DSB experts who had a large aquarium sand supplier sponsoring this books Its fine to use .

 

thanks you very much! that saves me about 68 bucks 8)

 

I also use it with no ill consequence. I would love to find some dead aragonite though just for it's PH buffering ability, but I agree, it's a stupid amount of money to pay for just sand.

 

sweet! now i just have to figure out how to do the DIY rock right. if you know about DIY rock go to my thread on here in general reef forums please. thanks you

 

I'm not a fan of DIY rock because I personally haven't had much luck making it look natural. But luckily for me, I live on the coast and can simply take some old dead coral for rocks whenever I need it.

 

Dead agraonite ?

 

I would RESEARCH any play sand you plan on using before you add it. Not only are alot of them full of free silica dust but contain high amount of aluminium and other metals, asbestos and dozens of other toxic compounds.
My wife operates a daycare out of our home and I can guarentee you that the 'silica issue' is not hype put out by aragonite sand companies in the dsb debates but are issues of serious concern. There are government guidelines she has to follow for any sand we put into the play area outside.
If you can find YardRite or Old Castle then you have made a score because that is aragonite sand. It's sold at some HomeDepot's for about $5 per 50# bag.
I hope if you take one persons word for it and decide to buy/use just any playsand you get online and research the brands available before you buy.
Good luck and I really hope you don't have to tear down your sb later.
My .02

 

ok thanks. ill look for both of those.

 

Dry, non-live, non-seeded aragonite sand. AKA Old Castle