pool filter sand question....

[dave76]

I read on here where people used pool filter sand so that they would not have to wash it. The only thing I could find was this product

http://www.lowes.com/pd_20174-1772-...1&currentURL=/pl_Pool+_4294822744_4294937087_

It says it contains sillica sand and zeolite ore.... Its grey in appearance. Is this safe?

Edit, it says to wear a mask when handling because the dust is known to cause cancer. Guess that answers that.

 

[DrgRcr]

Any pool supply store should have it. I got mine at Leslies, look for #20 grade. The warnings are for silica dust, just don't breathe it when you handle it, although it is probably geared more towards long term exposure. You still need to rinse it in a bucket to get rid of any fine particles.

 

[br1dge]

Get mine at leslie's too! Hard to beat

 

[Chrisk-K]

I bought a bag of pool filter sand called "Mystic White" made by US Silica. I haven't used it but it looks too fine.

 

[jbradt]

Any pool supply store should have it. I got mine at Leslies, look for #20 grade. The warnings are for silica dust, just don't breathe it when you handle it, although it is probably geared more towards long term exposure. You still need to rinse it in a bucket to get rid of any fine particles.

:iagree:I agree. Wash it, then wash it again. Then when you're done wash it a little more. It'll still probably cloud up the tank for a bit.

 

[mel_20_20]

I looked at that product at Lowe's as well, but I emailed the company to ask about the "plus" and if this sand would be safe in an aquarium. I heard back from them and they advised against using that particular sand. I'd get the pool filter sand that does not have that.

 

[jschall]

Buy 20-grit sand that's 100% silica (or 99% or whatever). It's marketed as pool filter sand, 20 grit sand and "blasting sand" (I think.) Zeolite is used in aquariums (ammonia remover) but I'd avoid it anyway.

It still has to be cleaned, just not nearly as much. Grab a 5-gallon bucket, put 1-2 gallons of sand in it, and stick a garden hose in there (REMOVE any sprayer heads. They just reduce the flow and they WILL be destroyed by sand.) Keep filling it up and dumping out the water until it's completely clear. Once this is done (it doesn't take nearly as long as other sands) the sand won't cloud your water significantly.

Sand is a great choice. I have one aquarium with gravel, and it is a huge pain.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

I use is sand from Lowes or HD. But I buy construction medium or course grit sand in 100 pound bags for $8. Its eggshell white and looks great. Made by Quikrete. It is silica and rock based and must to be rinsed. I rinse mine in a 35 gallon trash can about 20 times until most of the silt is gone.

 

[mel_20_20]

That's really pretty gunner... very white. Does it have any rocks or shell pieces in it? I got play sand from Lowe's and there are quite a few larger particles of that kind in it.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Construction grade sand has to be run through screens for a specific size then washed free of contaminants (not silt) for mixing with cement, otherwise contaminants such as organics (sticks & bird-poo exc) or chemicals, (tar, fertilizers, insecticides) would cause an engineering failure in a building wall ceiling or pillar, and the company would be sued.

Construction grade sand is processed at the plant to be almost pure for mixing in engineering projects such as stucco, masonry block mortar, and structural concrete. So just like sugar and salt has to be relatively pure for cooking and baking recipes and human consumption, construction grade sand has to be relatively pure for human habitat safety.

Play-sand is to a much lower standard and has clay added, in fact children have been know to get sick from playing in it becasue of its low regulatory standards for use. Its just play sand...