Is playsand just playsand?

[vermonter310]

I'm wondering about playsand, I have seen the "Southdown" name in here several times. The only playsand I can find locally is "Quickrete" brand. It is playsand (not the stuff for concrete mixing) and has been washed, screened etc... is this suitable or should I keep looking?

Thanks,
VT

 

[fishfreek]

Here is a page I wrote about substrates

http://www.vafishfreek.com/substrate.htm

Also here is a page showing how to tell the difference between silica sand and aragonite sand.

http://www.vafishfreek.com/sandcompairson.htm


The key is that the sand be sugar grain size or smaller.

 

[SW Beginner]

You may be able to find some Yardright or Southdown a little farther south. www.purearagonite.com could be another option.

 

[Anemoneman]

Do NOT use regular (brown) playsand. I remember Guy saying it probably contains feldspar which you do not want in your tank. Southdown Tropical Playsand is calcium carbonate, reef sand.

Mark

 

[vermonter310]

Thanks Guys.....

VT