Using oolitic play sand for a DSB?

[Highland Reefer]

My last post envolving high levels of nitrates in my reef resulted in getting rid of my crushed coral. I have removed part of it and have been doing research on the sand.

 

With my tank it would take approximately 300 lbs of the sand to get a 6" deep sand bed at a cost of approximately $260.00. During my research I discovered that many of the reefers were using a white oolitic play sand that is sold at Home Depot called Kolorscape made by OldCastle which has the same make up as Caribsea, according to an experiment run by Jon Finch. Here is the link from Advanced Aquarist's Magazine:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/2/short#h1

 

Anybody have any input on using this type of sand for DSB?

[Scott_LM]

Cliff,

 

I have used the "SouthDown" sand that was available at Home Depot years ago (precursor to Kolorscape). It works well as a DSB. I have heard of the kolorscape, but have not seen it locally nor used it. If the particle size is correct it should work well.

 

The problem you are going to have is locating it. I looked last year, but was unable to find any sand that was calcium carbonate based in the local area. The only thing available seems to be silica sand. This works, but gives no buffering capacity.

 

There happens to be a guy is pittsburg that is selling aragonite sand by the ton for 400 dollars(have to pick it up). If you get a bunch of people together I am sure you could get it sold.

 

Let me know if you are interested and I will dig up the link I found.

[trble81]

I've heard that play sand can have some serious impurities that could mess up your tank...

[extreme_tooth_decay]

I think most folks think silica-based is no good, while aragonite based is good.

 

You can do the vinegar test to verify. Pour vinegar on it. If it fizzes and sizzles, it passes.

 

I'm not aware of any cheap sand at any hardware store that passes any more. Many have looked. It is gone.

 

tim

[FishWife]

I think we did: DON'T do it! We were told that it was SouthDown under a different name. It was NOT; it had lots of oil and clay in it. Close scrutiny and Internet research revealed that it was TX sand. I'm thinking the oil was TX crude from their atmousphere, but that's just a guess. The other problem was that it was composed partly of clay that totally clogged our pumps.

 

We got this last Sept. at our local Home Depot, in the garden dept. Said it was "pure play sand." I can't quite remember the brand name, but if it's the same stuff, it's a waste of time.