I thought I'd post a note about what I got for sand. I ended up
purchasing two types. One is white silica sand and the other is "Black
Beauty" sand. I think I'll set up 2 tanks. I am thinking of using the
"Black Beauty" sand with either kitty litter clay or potting soil under
it. When I read about "Black Beauty" sand I thought it would be as good
as fluorite since both are high in iron.

Could anyone with experience give me their opinion as to the use of
these materials kitty litter clay vs.potting soil and white silica sand
vs. "Black Beauty" sand?

Jim


Cannibul wrote:
On Sun, 04 Jan 2004 08:38:19 GMT, "Jimmy"
wrote:


I am setting up a new tank and want to use a type of white or black sand for
my substrate. I am filling the tank with rain water from my cistern and am
wanting a soft water tank (since soft water can hold more CO2).

1. Can anyone give me the brand name of sand they have used safely in a
freshwater aquarium?


Brands of sand differ from one area of the country to another. Even
though they are in the same bag.


2. The owner of a LFS (in New Albany, IN) told me there was a brand of "Play
Sand" made by Seachem or at least it was the same product sold for aquarium
use, but much cheaper and used as children's play sand. Does anyone know the
brand name of this sand?


That's news to me. Seachem makes several freshwater and sal****er
substrates but I can't see them selling plain old sand.


3. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), The "Play Sand" sold
by Quikcrete may contain silica sand and/or lime stone. After reading the
MSDS and the dangers of inhaling silica dust causing permanent lung damage,
why would anyone let their children play with it? Can silica dust be
dangerous to any fish?


Ahh... the old MSDS. If that worries you then you really should check
out this web site. http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html


Any low cost sources of substrate would be of interest.......except Profile.
I have that one already.

Thanks,
Jim