Can beach sand be cleaned for tank use?

Caitlin

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Hi everyone,
It is possible to clean beach sand so it would be suitable for tank use?

Thanks.
 
Hi Caitlin,

Never use beach sand because:

1. It may contain microorganisms that could infect your axoltol
2. It contains crushed sea shells which will raise your pH
3. It round silca grains are worn down, so it can pack more densely. Thus resulting in more anaerobic bacteria which produce that funky "off egg odour" due to hydrogen sulfide.

You can use play sand. This is what most people use. Wash it thoroughly though.

Jay.
 
Thanks Jay! Will get some of the play sand.
 
I disagree. Beach sand, if properly washed (to remove salt and debris) and sanitized (bake it) can be fine. The crushed shells will raise the pH slightly, but will also make the water harder (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). Most new tanks have a problem with too acidic water, and calcium carbonate is one way to counteract that. Anaerobic pockets will happen with any substrate if it's a thick enough layer. I suggest only using 1/2 inch of sand anyway. Any more than that is pretty unnecessary.
 
i have to say i would never even consider beach sand, when other, more chemically balanced and aquarium friendly are readily available
 
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