Need advice about sand for my tank

[tafranklin]

Can someone tell me if it is safe to take sand straight from the beach and if I do can you tell me what I would need to do to it first before I put it in my tank to cycle it. Should the sand be wet or dry.
I DONT have any fish in my tank yet. I am just starting to get it up and running.

[RMPD109]

Sand from the beach is risky due to pollution. Most pollution is concentrated at the shore as well. If you decide to collect your own it is recommended to go as far out into the water as possible to collect. I would recommend a boat and scuba gear to do it the best.