Would this stuff be safe as a substrate

[piao liang yu]

I really want an affordable black substrate for my 60 gallon 48' x 13' tank. Would this stuff be safe for my fish?

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

 

[Fishanatic]

I wouldn't think so. I might be wrong, but i wouldn't take the risk.

 

[piao liang yu]

I wouldn't think so. I might be wrong, but i wouldn't take the risk.

What are your concerns with it?

 

[Fishanatic]

What are your concerns with it?

1. Its very sharp, i wouldn't give it to bottom swimmers.
2. Contains iron (Fe), Aluminum (Al), Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca)
3. It releases (HAP) hazardous air polluants and a bit of dust.

 

[SA fish]

Any coal by-product can contain trace amounts of mercury and sulfuric acid. Coal slag can contain dangerous levels of beryllium, which can result in chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer. Even short-term exposure at low levels can be dangerous, so along with your fishes health it doesn't sound like something you want to handle without proper equipment.

 

[piao liang yu]

Any coal by-product can contain trace amounts of mercury and sulfuric acid. Coal slag can contain dangerous levels of beryllium, which can result in chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer. Even short-term exposure at low levels can be dangerous, so along with your fishes health it doesn't sound like something you want to handle without proper equipment.

After more google searches on the stuff I have concluded it is too hazardous for fish. Supposedly there have been autopsies done on fish kept with this as a substrate and they had cuts in their intestines.

 

[Scottyhorse]

Don't lots of people use blating sand as substrate? Just curious.

 

[Fishanatic]

Don't lots of people use blating sand as substrate? Just curious.

Depends witch type and for witch type of fish. Also, i doubt much people know the toxic things in these products.

 

[piao liang yu]

After more google searches on the stuff I have concluded it is too hazardous for fish. Supposedly there have been autopsies done on fish kept with this as a substrate and they had cuts in their intestines.

My previous quote listed above was about the wrong stuff. I found this site that explains coal slag which is what the Black Diamond blasting media is. This explains that it is indeed inert and environmentally safe.

Coal Slag Explained