Silica sand question

[Trevor W]

I am just wondering if there are any types of silica sand products out there that may contain other minerals or chemicals ect that may be harmful? I found some pool filter silica sand at the local pool supply store but I do not like the colour. Its a darker brown and I am looking for a light beige to white. Could someone please check out these links of some silca sand products and tell me what ya think. Any feed back is greatly appreciated.

-Trevor

http://www.brockwhite.com/index.php?...pper&Itemid=38
(Sorry this link doesn't go straight to the product for some reason, just click on concrete accessories, it will be in the list near the bottom)

http://www.sil.ab.ca/Catalogue/006.pdf

P.S Also what is a good grade or size to go with?

[Eddie]

Here is the one I use.

http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/hth-pool-filter-sand-50-lbs-p-69631.html?ref=42

HTH
Eddie

[KDodds]

I've used an inert Quikrete Play Sand in a number of (marine) tanks without issue. You kind of have to be careful with Play Sand, though. Some is inert, but much of it is calcitic or aragonitic, bad news for soft/acid loving species. Calcitic sand will buffer the tank to 7.6, aragonitic sand to 7.8, more or less. So, you'll kind of want to make sure that what you're getting does not contain any form of Calcium carbonate. I'm not entirely sure what the Quikrete sand is composed of, but it "fails" the vinegar test. To play it safe, a few drops of vinegar on a Calcium carbonate based sand will produce a reaction (fizzing/heating). This is a quick, cheap, and easy way to test any sand you choose to be at least reasonably safe in that respect. As for other treatments, most silica sands have no additives if they're not meant for indoor use or use by children. Some play sands MIGHT, although I have never heard of it, be treated with antimicrobials, if they're meant for children's sand boxes. You can always request an assay of the contents from th company manufacturing the product, which, to the best of my knowledge, they are obligated to provide in the US.