Black Diamond Sand

[Rhino]

I have seen a lot of people mentioning using Tractor Supply Black Diamond sand blasting sand in their aquariums. I pulled it up on their site to see what all the chatter was about. On the front of the bag it says, "low free silica" what does that even freaking mean? Here is a link so you all can take a look:

Black Diamond 20-40 Blasting Media, 50 lb. - 3905403 | Tractor Supply Company

 

[greaver83]

silica is what cause lung problems and algae blooms from what i understand. a lot of people say play sand causes algae blooms because it has silica in it but i never had any problems with it.

 

[greaver83]

I just switched the the black diamond yesterday btw i actualy thought this was my thread on it im still half asleep lol. I t worked out great for me all my fish are still alive this morning my water cleared in a bout 3 hours and it looks great and it feels very soft i thought it felt just as soft as play sand i rensed mine like crazy before i put in in with a pillow case and warm water my mom also switched to it yesterday and she has had no problems

 

[Wy Renegade]

free silica is the base substance in sand, which will form glass when struck by lightning. It is also a substance that is taken up by single-celled algae called diatoms that are found in both fresh and saltwater. Having high levels of free silica in the tank can often lead to a bloom of diatoms which shows up as a brownish coating on every surface in the tank including the glass.

 

[BillD]

Free silica is of concern if the product is used for sand blasting. For that reason the slags that make up black blasting sand are considered less of a health hazard than the normal silica blasting sands.

 

[greaver83]

silica also turns to glass when terminators are sent back through time, its a fact.

 

[HAVAMAL]

silica also turns to glass when terminators are sent back through time, its a fact.

greaver come with me if you want to live!!!