Is sand for reptiles good for amphibians?

[tyler]

I'm thinking about replacing my substrate with sand. The problem is I have know clue what sand to get. I see a lot of sands made for reptiles. Would these sands be appropriate? Here's some pics to better explain myself.

 

[jennifer]

Do not use any of the products labeled "bone aid" or "calcium substrate". These are made of calcium carbonate, and they will change the pH of your tank water. If you have problems with your tank being too acidic, you can add a small amount of this, and it will solve the problem, but too much could make your tank too alkaline.

I'm not sure about the Repti-sand, it might be OK. It probably isn't made for aquatic setups, so I'm not sure how it would behave. But for less money, you can also use pool filter sand, or play sand. The problem with play sand is that it contains a lot of dust, so you have to rinse it a zillion times before using it.

 

[tyler]

Where could I find play sand or pool filter sand?

 

[joan]

Home improvement stores should have some, or look in the yellow pages for a pool shop. I personally like the natural look of the pool filter sand. It also doesn't get sucked up so much in a siphon.

 

[jennifer]

Play sand is everywhere (Walmart, Home Depot, Toys-r-Us, etc.) To find pool filter sand, get out your yellow pages and find the nearest store(s) that sell equipment for pool, hot tubs, and spas. These stores are quite common, but you're not likely to notice their existence unless you have a pool. Call and ask if they have pool filter sand (it's usually sold in 40 or 50-lb bags for under $10).

 

[jennifer]

Tyler, here's another sand option, which they sell at petsmart now:
http://www.petsmart.com/media/ps/images/products/detail/standard/i/inp0/inP036444_14633.jpg
It's relatively expensive, but if you like basic black or white sand it should work well and be safe.