Home Depot Sand

[Rook]

Is Home Depot play sand still safe to use? I've used it quite a bit in old setups. Found some white kids play sand. Anyone know if its still okay to use?

[Wy Renegade]

You need to know if it has silica in it. Many play sands do - if it does, its not safe to use. Silica promotes the growth of diatoms.

[schminksbro]

I know they used to carry Southdown sand which was reef safe. I think they discontinued it though.

[Rook]

Its OldCastle sand, also has the name Kolorscape on it. I believe this is the same company as Southdown. Its very white, argonite sand, but it has a disclaimer that it "may contain trace amounts of crystalized silica...not for use in aquariums, etc..."

I'm giving it a try anyway. Its only a 35 gallon tank, if its a real problem I can switch it out easy enough. I'm too cheap to pay $1+ per pound of sand that is marked for aquariums.

[jolson10450]

Its OldCastle sand, also has the name Kolorscape on it. I believe this is the same company as Southdown. Its very white, argonite sand, but it has a disclaimer that it "may contain trace amounts of crystalized silica...not for use in aquariums, etc..."

I'm giving it a try anyway. Its only a 35 gallon tank, if its a real problem I can switch it out easy enough. I'm too cheap to pay $1+ per pound of sand that is marked for aquariums.

just post in the want to buy forums here, people give sand away frequently for free.

[Rook]

I'd rather take my chance with Home Depot sand that used sand that could have any number of problems with it.

[Seaside Treasures]

i think old castle ( southdown) was bought by caribsea(?) and the discaimer was added to the sand to keep people away from the "cheap" sand and steer them towards the hobby sand. i still have 3 bags that i am getting ready to use in my new system.

[tazzy695]

if you have a rock or stone vender close by call them and ask them if they have any limestone sand still much cheaper then typical live sand from a lfs but it would be calcium based and much better for the reef then silica based playsand

[Rook]

I already have this stuff in use and I don't think it's silica based. My assumption is they put a disclaimer on to CYA.