Beach Sand

[julielynn47]

I at first wanted to use sand from the beach for my new 75 gallon tank.  Then I decided no, I want black sand so I will go with the tahitian moon sand.  But I am going to need around 4 bags and that translate to around 100 dollars....so.   Now I am back at beach sand, because, well, it is free.  
 
So, can I use beach sand for a fresh water tank?  I know I would have to rinse it really really good. But after all the salt is out of it wouldn't it be just like any other sand?

 

[fluttermoth]

I wouldn't use beach sand.
 
First of all, you won't know for sure what rocks it's derived from. Secondly, beach sand can be contaminated with all sorts of 'stuff'; oil for example, which is virtually impossible to clean out.
 
Children's play sand is your best bet, if money's an issue. It's very cheap and is fairly easily cleaned, as it really just needs the dust rinsed out, there won't be anything toxic lurking in there

 

[julielynn47]

I have researched since I posted this question.  Some people say yes, some say no, some say there might be pollutants in it and it is better to buy it.  I can understand all those concerns. But now my question on pollutants is this... where does the store bought sand come from?  They have to be harvesting it from somewhere. So where?
 
I guess that is my biggest question of the day. 

edited to add---
Thank you for your response fluttermoth. We were obviously posting at the same time.

 
I really don't know where to purchase play sand. I live in the middle of nowhere. No stores near me sell that.  But I maybe Lowes carries it?  I can look and see how much they want for it.   If it is almost the same of the tahitian moon, I might just go with that.  Decisions, decisions, decisions....

 

[Ninjouzata]

You should be able to get it at home depot or lowes.

 

[fluttermoth]

Play pit sand doesn't come from beaches; it comes from deserts and inland sand deposits.
 
Most home/garden stores should stock it
 
It won't be dark or black; it'll be a pale yellowish brown colour, but it looks very natural, and you really should have sand if you want catfish/corydoras/loaches, as it's nice and soft for them to dig in and won't damage their barbels

 

[julielynn47]

Okay, well, that explains the sand question. LOL I honestly didn't think about that.  When I think sand I think beach.    So that may be what I do. I will check into that when I go to the big city next week
 
edited to add --  Oh wow!  I just went to Lowes online and they have 50 pound bags of play sand for 3.90!  So for less that one 20lb bag of Tahitian moon sand I can cover the bottom of my tank.  7.80....wow.  Okay, so I am going with the play sand.  I need a new look anyway. My 55 has had black gravel since I set it up. Time for a change.  Thanks everyone!!!!!!

 

[AbbeysDad]

Just remember to rinse that play sand really, really well....then rinse again!