Saltwater sand in freshwater cichlid tank

[chrisino63]

just bought some sand for my aquarium (100gsllon) that used in a salt water tank prior. I still need to cycle the tank so do you guys think I am ok ising that sand if washed very well

 

[Delapool]

I think sandy sand would be ok, just wash to remove any salt but I would put some vinegar on a bit to check if there are carbonates in there or not.

 

[Wy Renegade]

What type of cichlids are you keeping? If you are keeping African Rift lake cichlids, I wouldn't bother with the vinegar test, as you actually want the stuff that reacts with vinegar. It helps keep the pH up. Just do a very good job of washing it out and rinsing it off.

 

[chrisino63]

Thank you the are all African rift lake cichlids. As I cycle the tank it should get rid of the rest of the salt right ?

 

[Wy Renegade]

While a little salt certainly isn't going to hurt anything, I would rinse it very well to make sure you have gotten rid of as much as possible. You certainly don't want to create a brackish environment.

 

[Delapool]

I'd still do the vinegar test anyways. You find out if it will react or not for information and ok, I admit it - see if you can get some bubbles