Beach Sand is it safe?

[Ruby777]

Hi
Im currently using thoroughly rinsed exo terra riverbed sand for the bottom of my axolotl tank and the axies seem to like it as its soft with some slate in aswell under their exo caves which they like to climb on.
As I live out in the sticks its not easy to purchase more of this sand readily or cheaply and online costs a fortune.(the nearest place that stocks it to me is just over a 3hour drive round trip and online is double the price plus delivery).

Would beach sand if its sieved and boiled be ok to use or is it completely a no no? I didnt think it would be safe to use as its marine etc but thought i would double check.
I need to find something as the axies get really stressed on a bare bottom and im trying to think and plan ahead for when i need to add/change the bottom when cleaning and if i cant get the riverbed sand.
thanks :happy:

 

[CJ1981]

No it is not generally considered safe.

Have you considered slate tiles or similar if your Axies are struggling to cope with a bare bottom?

 

[tigmades]

Beach sand is a no no because it almost always alters the water some how (usually pH). That and you risk contaminants/bacteria. from sea/people/animals.

 

[Ruby777]

Thought as much, glad you confirmed this for me,i thought it would contain too many nasties for the axies and with it being marine would have too many different things in it that would alter my water(i have a marine center so never used anything for the marine fish that i use for the fresh water ones)plus they wouldn't have it in the wild and i want them to have as close to a normal wild environment as possible so they will be happy :happy:

I managed to find somewhere that will deliver the riverbed sand for me over the weekend and i can also get healthy beautiful plants from them too so all good.

yes they have slate at the bottom under their caves aswell as sand :happy:
thanks for the confirmation on the beach sand xx