Marine sand

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kclinton

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Karrie Clinton
Can you use the color sand for saltwater tanks ina axie tank? Or use marine sand?
 
Marine sand is usually high in calcium carbonate releasing agents (like crushed shells), so it's not recommended.
 
Kaysie said:
Marine sand is usually high in calcium carbonate releasing agents (like crushed shells), so it's not recommended.
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Interesting - could you give a short explanation why the substrate should not release any calcium carbonate?
 
If tank water is too soft or acidic, a bit of calcium carbonate is helpful. The problem with using a substrate containing shells is that there can be a LOT of calcium carbonate released into the water, and as a result, the pH and alkalinity are "maxed out". The resulting pH could be higher than the ideal (>8). This situation may be OK for the axolotl for a while, but the keeper may be unaware that the pH in their tank and the pH of their source water are very different. They could easily kill the axolotl by transferring it abruptly into clean water. And if they do a large water change, there could be large pH 'swings' in the tank. And if they have an ammonia spike in the tank, the ammonia is more toxic at high pH, so that's another potential problem.

Thus, I agree with Kaysie's advise to avoid marine sand. It COULD be used, but it could also cause serious problems if the keeper is not carefully monitoring pH.

Regarding "color sand", it may be OK, it depends on what it is made of. Personally, I wouldn't use it unless it also says that it's safe for freshwater tanks.
 
Estes' Marine Sand does not affect pH or hardness, it is chemically inert. That is what I use with my axoltols, as well as all my fish tanks. It is clean and just needs to settle (patting the sirface of the water so all the floating particles sink). I highly recommend this sand. And it also comes in many colors. I used a 50/50 black and white mix with my axolotls, it looks very good.
 
Hi, reptileguy could you tell me the name/brand of the sand you use? Could you put drift wood in to keep the ph in check?
 
Estes' is the brand name. The product name is Marine Sand. Since this product does not affect pH you would not need anything to balance the pH since it will not be changed.
 
Thanks for your help
 
Ok I went and got the sand it's blues. I started b soaking and rinse it last night. I cant get the water to come out clear and some of the sand is still floating. Any ideas?
 
If it is Estes' Marine Sand just put it in, keep tapping the floating grains, they will sink, and let it settle for a day or two, you may need to run a filter to get it really clear. Make sure your filter intake isn't too close to the sand.
 
Yes, it is Estes sand.Every time this stuff gets stired up is it going to float or will it stop in time?
 
If only a few pieces are floating, I would just throw them away. Is this sand an appropriate size for axolotls?
 
It is just settling in. I have used this sand in 6 tanks, it just may take a a while of patting the surface to get them all to fall, sometimes running the filter helps.
 
Yes, I think the sand is finer than play sand. I scooped the floating sand out. I put my little extra filter in and will see how it looks in morning. Thanks for all the help
 
I hane had this sand in water for 3 days now rinseng it in on and off it wont settle water wont turn clear The bottom is covered with bubbles that wont go away no matter what I do with it. I need help please
 
I hane had this sand in water for 3 days now rinseng it in on and off it wont settle water wont turn clear
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What do you mean by rinsing? Also when you put in the sand was that the first day you put in water?
 
I rinsed it in a bucket and thought the water was comeing out clear. Put it in the new bigger tank. Filled it with water. the water was still blue. On Tuesday I put my big syphon in and hose let it for 3 hours. Same on Wed. So I could let the sand rinse more. Thw water is still blue the dtuff is still floating and clumpimg up. I tryed to call the pet shop no help there. The sand has been in water since sunday night. I put may spare filter in to see if that would help did not help. I really wanted color sand I think I just wasted 30.00 bucks.
 
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