'Glimmer sand'

[FOG]

The website states their sand can be used in aquariums, vases, crafts etc, but does anyone know if its safe to use with my axies? I think they're lovely colours, but I'm not going to order any until i know they won't harm my babies.

Theres coloured sand http://www.rista.co.uk/colouredsand.html
and theres Glimmer sand http://www.rista.co.uk/glimmersand.html

 

[Kaysie]

Try emailing them and asking what the sand and glitter are composed of.

 

[oceanblue]

The web site of the wholesaler is http://www.crystalcolours.co.uk but while some of the products are supposed to be inert when wet I cannot see the glitter mentioned except in floral decorations.

The question is does the aluminium in the glitter and whatever protective coating it has pass unharmed through an axolotls digestive tract?

You could try asking them if it is safe for bottom feeding fish and other animals!

 

[FOG]

I think just to be safe I'll give the glitter a miss. Any thoughts on just the plain colorued sand?

 

[oceanblue]

Its always a bit of a gamble but they are probably OK. Several tanks in the galleries use coloured sand to create different effects. There is no harm in asking is the sand silica based? It is even possible the glitter is glass based. If they are prepared to tell you what their products are they may find a new market.

 

[FOG]

I've emailed them asking about the glitter, and if it's silica based. Bit of a dumb question, do I need it to be silica based or not? I don't really have a clue about sand, as you can probably tell! Also, 4ft x1ft brand new clearseal tank, £20, does this sound right? Saw it on a website earlier and it seems a bit cheap to me.

 

[coichards]

The coloured sand looks very fine and may turn the water cloudy so maybe wash it before use.

 

[oceanblue]

I suggested silica based because that is what most european sand is. It could be coral sand, which makes the water more alkaline and very hard (although axolotls do not normally mind alkaline hard water if the ammonia is kept under control.) Coral sand takes dyes easier than silica sand but I think most coloured sands are silica based.

It is also possible that it is something else ground up. Some of the other products on these websites are ground or crushed glass rather than a "natural" particulate which is sand. I've seen ground plastic described as sand for craft use!

Some of the products on the site are very odd. Its not suitable for axolotls but what would a tank with floating gravel look like