Anyone heard of this sand?

[Aimee]

Hey all I saw this sand at a pet store and was wondering if anyone had heard of/used it before? Here is a link to it: http://www.reptilesupply.com/product...roducts_id=323

I looked at the bag and couldn't find a list of materials...it just said "sand". Does anyone know if this is safe/unsafe for my guy?

Thanks

[Celeste]

Hi Aimee!!

I havent used this sand, but I think it could be better to use another type. I was reading the specifications and it says "natural sand". In nature it would contain some minerals that could mess with you water chemistry. Maybe someone has used it or has experience with it and could tell you more about it.

[Aimee]

Yes, thats really what I'm afraid of since my recent substrate disaster. It says its a substrate for aquatic turtles and can also be used for newts and salamanders. But since my last substrate issue, I've become very paranoid.

If no one knows, I could always run a trial and throw it in a bucket and see if/how it alters the tap water...I was just hoping someone might know if I'd be wasting my time and money?

Cheers!

[Critter Mom]

That sounds interesting! I have never heard of it before. If you decide to get it, please update the thread so we know how it went. I imagine that anything containing rock, sand (silica), and the like will raise the pH at least somewhat, making it more alkaline, but we will have to just see how much this may do it. It may be a negligible amount, and well worth the purchase.

I really like the idea of giving it a trial run in a bucket, as long as the bucket is not metal. I hope it works out for you!

[Johnny O. Farnen]

After my recent research on substrates (article in the works...) This brand is highly variable. For the most part it is silica based sand, however I did an acid test on a sample using pH Down (only thing pH Down is good for) and it does test positive for calcium carbonate (moderate fizzing). A sample taken from some purchased at a different pe tshop was 100% silica.


For Aquatic use:
Use of this product depends on your local water chemistry out of the tap. If you live in a soft water area, have a home water softener, or live in a country like Australia where ther have National drinking water hardness standards on the low side of the scale, I feel it is safe to use this sand. If you live in an area where liquid rock comes out of the tap, like I do, skip it.
For Terrestrial Use:
Excellent product for terrestrial use, especially when mixed with a good potting soil.

On the other hand, what they nick you at the register for this stuff makes me sick. Go for the play sand. It is all silica and gets the SludgeMunkey Seal of Begrudging Approval for Vivaria use...

[Aimee]

Well darn!

Thanks for the input, sludgemonkey . Maybe one of these days some animal product company will have a revelation and sell a safe substrate for these guys. Until then, play sand it is.

Cheers