Home Depot Play Sand

[Shovelman]

so Im redoing my 10 gallon tank and making it a shell dweller tank since there is not all that much of a variety of fish that can peacefully and easily live in such a tank (i think shell dwellers will be probably the most interesting choice!).. so im going to drain the tank and get it all set up again since i have live plants (crypts and such). So basically replacing substrate and decorations. But of course need sand and im not about to pay $24.99 for a bag of sand half the size of a 5$ bag of pay silica sand which i was told was safe to use from home depot.

BUT my suspicions and the label on the front of the bag lead me to believe its not for aquarium usage... can anyone give me any advice?

 

[Shovelman]

anyone? no ones heard of using the cheap sand from any home improvement stores?

 

[minnnt]

The play sand is usually safe for aquarium use mate, you will need to wash it very thoroughly though otherwise it will cloud your tank.

 

[loraxchick]

That's what I use. Just wash it well as mentioned.
cheers

 

[fluttermoth]

The only risk with sand is that if it's not inert it'll raise pH, but as you're intending to keep Tangs that won't be an issue anyway, as they prefer hard, alkaline water.

 

[Shovelman]

YES! Thank you guys so much!

 

[gearhead65]

Been using sand from Home Depot for over a year now. I LOVE it and so do my fish. Holds the plants better than gravel, but as mentioned, make sure you rinse multiple times. Took me forever to get the sand clean, but it sure beats paying more money for less sand.

 

[Rickzayne]

I used B&Q play sand.

It's all safe and nutral PH as you can't have acidic sand for your kids xD