Substrate

[kbekll]

i am about to start up a new tank and have a choice of substrate

1 is just standard stone

but the other i am unsure if i can use it is exo-terra desert sand
[URL="http/www.exo-terra.com/en/products/desert_sand.php"]http/www.exo-terra.com/en/products/desert_sand.php[/URL]

now it has no chemicals in it and has been sat arround due to the lizzard popping its clogs so i can use if it is a good idea otherwise it will just sit in the garage again

any ideas ?

 

[fatheadminnow]

You can use that lizard sand if you want.

You will just have to wash it out very well before you decide to put it in your tank.

You would also want to wash it out boiling water if at all possible to kill any bacteria in it at all.

-FHM

 

[kbekll]

it is new in a air tight bag it just cost £10 and then the lizzard died befor i could use it

cheers

 

[lilfishie]

does it say it is aquarium safe?

if it was me i would take it back then get a cheap bag of play sand for argos if its definately sand you want

 

[azzaknight]

get argos play sand. it only costs £3 a bag!!
welcome btw

 

[fatheadminnow]

it is new in a air tight bag it just cost £10 and then the lizzard died befor i could use it

cheers

Okay, well you still want to wash it out very well before using it, just like everything else you pout in your tank.

You wither put the sand in a pillow case and run water through it.

OR

Get like a 5 gallon bucket, fill like 1/4 of it up with the sand.

Then take a hose and stick it down in the sand in the bucket, and turn the water on.

Stir the sand with the water on allowing for debris and other stuff to got o the surface.

Let the water fill up the bucket and pour over the sides letting all of the debris get out.

The sand should stay at the bottom.

When down, just tip the bucket to get as much water out as possible, then siphon the rest out leaving you with clean sand.

-FHM

 

[kbekll]

does it say it is aquarium safe?

if it was me i would take it back then get a cheap bag of play sand for argos if its definately sand you want

it does not mention any thing about aquariums

xo Terra's Desert Terrarium Sand is natural real desert sand with no added dyes or chemicals.

The sand has been sifted to remove impurities and to obtain a homogenous sand grain size.

* Natural desert sand, no added dyes or chemicals
* Creates a natural and attractive desert environment
* Excellent heat conductor
* Stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior
* Suitable as egg-laying substrate

it is new in a air tight bag it just cost £10 and then the lizzard died befor i could use it

cheers

Okay, well you still want to wash it out very well before using it, just like everything else you pout in your tank.

You wither put the sand in a pillow case and run water through it.

OR

Get like a 5 gallon bucket, fill like 1/4 of it up with the sand.

Then take a hose and stick it down in the sand in the bucket, and turn the water on.

Stir the sand with the water on allowing for debris and other stuff to got o the surface.

Let the water fill up the bucket and pour over the sides letting all of the debris get out.

The sand should stay at the bottom.

When down, just tip the bucket to get as much water out as possible, then siphon the rest out leaving you with clean sand.

-FHM

i will do befor i put it in the tank

just dont want the ph to messed up thats all

 

[fatheadminnow]

does it say it is aquarium safe?

if it was me i would take it back then get a cheap bag of play sand for argos if its definately sand you want

it does not mention any thing about aquariums

xo Terra's Desert Terrarium Sand is natural real desert sand with no added dyes or chemicals.

The sand has been sifted to remove impurities and to obtain a homogenous sand grain size.

* Natural desert sand, no added dyes or chemicals
* Creates a natural and attractive desert environment
* Excellent heat conductor
* Stimulates natural digging and burrowing behavior
* Suitable as egg-laying substrate

I think you will be okay.

You can do the vinegar test to make sure.

Get some vinegar and drip some on the sand.

If the vinegar fizzes when it hits the sand, than the sand is no good.

If it does not fizz, then you are good to go!

Make sure you wash it like I described above in my OP.

-FHM

 

[kbekll]

thanx for that new their was a way to test it but forgot

yes will be cleaning it out but bit by bit other than whole bag in just a bit easier



thank you for your help

 

[fatheadminnow]

thanx for that new their was a way to test it but forgot

yes will be cleaning it out but bit by bit other than whole bag in just a bit easier



thank you for your help

Your welcome!

let us know if it passes the vinegar test!

-FHM

 

[kbekll]

yes it passed the vinegar test lol

 

[CherryDanio]

yes it passed the vinegar test lol

Don't see why that sand would be a problem, if anything it should be cleaner than the argos play sand as it has to be fairly sterile for use with reptiles! We used to use it all the time with our beardies but stopped a while ago after reading several studies implicating it in gut impactation even in adults.

The red coloured sand would look fab in an aquarium methinks

 

[fatheadminnow]

Yup, you are good to go!

-FHM