Play sand. Safe to use in a reef tank?

KorL · 09/20/2011, 03:55 PM

I was curious if the play sand that you find at Home Depot. Is that safe to use in a reef tank? I noticed the consistency is very fine, and it reminds of a oolitic type of sand.

Curious George · 09/20/2011, 04:04 PM

Used to be when Southdown was available. Now it is filled with silicates and a lot of nasties that can make life heII down the road. I personally wouldn't do it.

organism · 09/20/2011, 06:23 PM

Southdown's gone? That sucks

If it has silica I'd avoid it, actually if it's anything other than a blue bag with a kid playing in a sandbox on the front (the old southdown packaging) I wouldn't use it.

tkeracer619 · 09/20/2011, 06:37 PM

Southdown has been gone for probably 5 years.

On top of what could be in the sand they spray sand with oil to keep it from blowing away. At the quarry, in the trucks, and at the bagging plant.

blt · 09/21/2011, 11:10 AM

Bomix play sand is generally regarded as just fine for reefs. Might only be available in Canada though.

D-Nak · 09/21/2011, 10:08 PM

My understanding is that Southdown/Yardright was never sold on the west coast. There were several group buys that brought it to the L.A. area (from back east) and it eventually came up here to Northern CA. Do you have any friends from the Bay Area who are planning to pay you a visit? If so, I have an unopened bag of Yardright that you're welcome to have. Otherwise you might be able to find it through local reef clubs -- I bet someone has an extra bag laying around. Good luck!

09/20/2011, 03:55 PM	#1
KorL Registered Member. Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 150	Play sand. Safe to use in a reef tank? I was curious if the play sand that you find at Home Depot. Is that safe to use in a reef tank? I noticed the consistency is very fine, and it reminds of a oolitic type of sand.

09/20/2011, 06:37 PM	#4
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Southdown has been gone for probably 5 years. On top of what could be in the sand they spray sand with oil to keep it from blowing away. At the quarry, in the trucks, and at the bagging plant. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

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09/20/2011, 04:04 PM	#2
Curious George Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 748	Used to be when Southdown was available. Now it is filled with silicates and a lot of nasties that can make life heII down the road. I personally wouldn't do it.

09/20/2011, 06:23 PM	#3
organism code monkey Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: south bay Posts: 6,223	Southdown's gone? That sucks If it has silica I'd avoid it, actually if it's anything other than a blue bag with a kid playing in a sandbox on the front (the old southdown packaging) I wouldn't use it.

09/21/2011, 11:10 AM	#5
blt Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 205	Bomix play sand is generally regarded as just fine for reefs. Might only be available in Canada though.

09/21/2011, 10:08 PM	#6
D-Nak Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 5,797	My understanding is that Southdown/Yardright was never sold on the west coast. There were several group buys that brought it to the L.A. area (from back east) and it eventually came up here to Northern CA. Do you have any friends from the Bay Area who are planning to pay you a visit? If so, I have an unopened bag of Yardright that you're welcome to have. Otherwise you might be able to find it through local reef clubs -- I bet someone has an extra bag laying around. Good luck!