Beach Sand = Hard water??

[Fresh808]

Well, once again, I am getting mixed msgs.
I was happy that I got Beach sand as one aquatic person said was a go and now another aquatics "specialist" said the beach sand will cause a hard water problem in my fw tank for my cichlids.
Whats the final answer here folks?
If it is true, what are my options for alternative sand? And BTW, I really would prefer Black sand vs generic beach sand.
Thanks and hope I can resolve this soon, my tank stand is finished, the tank is waiting at petco and I am trying to get all my tank deco supplies in order so I can cycle this thing.
Scott

 

[Fishguy2727]

Most beaches have silica sand which will not raise pH/OH but may cause brown algae.

Use Estes Ultra Reef. It is inert and does come in black. None of the problems that people cite with sand are an issue with this particular type of sand.

 

[austinsdad]

Did you mean that you got the sand from the beach?

 

[Fresh808]

Beach sand

Did you mean that you got the sand from the beach?

Yes, I went to one of the nearby beaches and filled a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[Fresh808]

Estes Ultra Reef

Most beaches have silica sand which will not raise pH/OH but may cause brown algae.

Use Estes Ultra Reef. It is inert and does come in black. None of the problems that people cite with sand are an issue with this particular type of sand.

Where can I get this?

 

[austinsdad]

Keep in mind that the sand that washes up on a beach is very likey full of a lot of polutants or other organisms that can cause big problems. Or the sand even near the shore. Not a good move IMO.

 

[Fishguy2727]

You can get the Estes sand at most LFSs, even if they don't have it in stock they should be able to order it for you. It costs about the same as gravel.