Chinchilla sand

[waterbaby]

Hiya folks, just wondered if anyone had used chinchilla sand on their tank floors? I've got some in 'test' conditions just now (casserolle dish on window ledge!), it does seem to throw up a bit of silt when pressure put on it - its mega fine, and I'm wondering if its too fine. I was originally told that gravel would be ok ( i know better now!), and one of my axi's was munching a wee stone as we left the petshop!! i personally don't like seeing a bare tank floor :blush:

 

[Shizeric]

Correct me if I'm wrong...but isn't chinchilla dust ground up pumice? And since pumice floats I would think the water would be constantly murky with the Axolotls swimming around and disturbing the sand. Or does pumice only float as blocks since it is so porous? Either way I would advise you to stick with sand.

Edit:

I would also advise against pumice as it is a volcanic rock and lava rocks are listed as unsafe rocks on Axolotl Sanctuary: not recommended due to the possibility of high sulfur and hydrocarbon concentration.

Check here for recommended Axolotl Aquascaping ideas.

http://www.caudata.org/axolotl-sanctuary/Aquascape.shtml

 

[waterbaby]

Hi Eric,
The waters not murky, and I wouldn't go as far as saying that its dust, but your post does remind me that it's essentially an unidentified substance. I've noticed in other posts other 'types' of sand owners have used successfully, so I'll give one of those a go. Thanks.

 

[Opacum]

I've read that chinchilla sand can cause impactions in terrestrial animals and respiratory problems in humans and other animals. Why risk it, when sand comes in so many safe varieties as well? Playsand is rounded for use in sandboxes for kids. This is so it is easy to dust off. Leveling sand is jagged for compaction in laying flagstones and patios. I don't know which application would suit you better, but I would totally recommend using aquarium sand if you go with any aquatic creature.

 

[waterbaby]

Thanks for replying, guys!
Heres an update - the chinchilla sand went where it belonged - in the bin The fellas have about 3/4 inch of playsand in bottom of tank, which they like. For the first few weeks I'd get up to find regurgitated gravel lying around the bottom, but none since xmas thankfully. Got black plastic 'elbow' joints from plumbing store, which do well as hides and a sideways plant pot that they pose on :wacko:
Still learning all I can about my new pets, growing well on frozen blood worm, and got their first earthworms today (sunday dinner!)
Thanks again for the input, i dare say I'll be bending your ears again shortly :lol:

 

[mekkha]

Glad you decided it against it. Eric is right, it is Volcanic ash powder. We just learned all about it class last week :lol: