I specifically said the environments have sand or finer (meaning silt or mud). Very few aquatic environments have gravel sized or rocky substrates. False. I'd say it's probably equal. Think about a NA/CA environ.
If buffering is your goal than simply put a little crushed coral/aragonite in a media bag in your filter. The flow will make it more effective than an entire bed of aragonite (form my experience).
Totally agree.
I have talked to way too many people who have had way too many problems with PFS and other non-aquairum use sands to ever recommend it. These problems range from brown algae problems from the silicates in these substrates, never being able to get them clean, varying particle sizes including too small to sink quickly getting into filters and burning them out, etc.
Never had a problem and I have at least 40 tanks with PFS in them. It's less than $10 per 50# and has worked great for us, so I will continue to recommend it.
Colors options are also one with PFS. What I recommend comes in white, black, blue, and beige. Darker substrates will cause fish to physiologically create more pigment (and it will show off better).
Shop around. Even PFS comes in variety, not just one option.
It is not calcium based so it is perfectly safe in freshwater. It is silica based but has a polymer coat to prevent the silicates from causing algae or other chemistry problems.
Algae or chemistry problems? Never seen it and like I said, we have a lot of tanks that have never had issues.
I sold it by the case at the LFS I was running and not a single customer who ever bought it ever complained. I had MANY come in thanking me and telling me about how much they liked it (and we all know that one compliment in retail is harder to find than ten complaints).
That's cool, but running an LFS and getting rave reviews from their customer base doesn't and won't impress me. The same people are routinely sold inappropriate fish and unnecessary equipment at the LFS.
Personally I feel that if you have not tried it then let us know the experience you are basing your claims on.
The experience I'm basing it on... hmmm... We're running 60+ FW tanks, a couple reefs, breeding a myriad of species, retailing, and everything I've posted has been based on actual experience. I have thoroughly dedicated my adult life to aquatics and think of little else. I've attended many major conventions and had / have personal conversations and relationships with some very big hobby names. What are you basing your claims on? "Running" an LFS, being a vet tech, or a student?
It is not expensive. More than PFS, yes. But it runs about the cost of gravel and if that is expensive then you are in the wrong hobby.