black sand

[Cherub]

I know this isnt equipment but its not livestock either lol

Anyone have black sand for sale or at least seen it around town somewhere? I seen small 10 pound bags at Aquamart but they were kinda overpriced IMO and looking for a regular price.

 

[scrumpto]

Be careful. Much of the black sand sold in the aquarium industry is copper slag in my experience and research. Made that mistake in the very beginning of my joining the hobby by unwisely buying it at the LFS.

 

[Cherub]

hmm thanks for the headsup. I was looking at natures ocean black aragonite online but want to buy it locally

 

[scrumpto]

I was looking at natures ocean black aragonite

Let's see, according to this site: http://www.livesand.com/
They say it's from the ocean so that wouldn't be copper slag.

However... they also say this:

Essential Trace Elements Aquarium Live Sand Provided by Bio-Activ Live® Aragonite Zinc Sulphate,
Calcium Chloride, Manganese Chloride, Cobalt Chloride, Copper Sulphate, Sodium Molybdate, Strontium Chloride, Nickel Chloride, Potassium Bromide, Sodium Silicate.

Wikipedia says the following about Copper Sulphate:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper(II)_sulfate

A dilute solution of copper sulfate is used to treat aquarium fish for parasitic infections, and is also used to remove snails from aquariums. Copper ions are highly toxic to fish, so care must be taken with the dosage. Most species of algae can be controlled with very low concentrations of copper sulfate.

It's probably fine in a tank. Then again, I don't think I'd want to be putting any kind of copper in my tank but that's just me. I'm sure someone with more experience and expertise can tell you more.

 

[ShelbyJK500]

I almost went black & white when I did my build. Can't wait to see yours!! I actually had several bags in the cart, then changed my mind. Petsmart has it in the freshwater section. It says "safe for marine and freshwater" and is Nature's Ocean, like you were looking at. Thought I would let you know since there are Petsmart's everywhere.

 

[Wicked Color]

I have seen a few tanks with black sand, they seem to do just fine.

 

[303travism]

I had all black sand to start then added white to it and never had a problem.

 

[hurrafreak]

I had black sand in my 300 and still have it in my 29 and I've never had a problem. People sell it up here in FOCO but you might as well buy it at Aqua Mart to save the gas haha

 

[SAZAMA]

I have black sand, no prob, bought mine at elite. just make sure its not the magnetic kind.
old pic

 

[tlsrcs]

Can you get a larger grain sized black sand? Or is it only sugar sand

 

[SAZAMA]

mine go all the way up half inch around

 

[tlsrcs]

hmm and this size is going to be better then crushed coral? do you keep any sand sifters?

 

[Cherub]

hmm I called Elite last week they said they don't have any. Must just be out then. I will check again, thanks for all the replies! I used Natures Ocean white sand in my last 3 builds so that mainly why I wanted that brand for the black sand. I'm sure it's reef safe since it's designed for saltwater aquariums.

 

[KhensuRa]

I like the look of black and white sand. Probably do that with my new tank... if I ever get it.... lol hehehe jk sorta

 

[Cherub]

come get it. I can use the money!

 

[SAZAMA]

no stars, just some nassarius

 

[dv3]

i got mine at the place on wads and colfax ...forget the name but it seems like the price was right .....be careful it will stick to your magfloat

 

[Cherub]

thanks don thats nice and close. i'll check it out

 

[Cherub]

I ended up ordering this stuff. It had good reviews. Awesome deal. Most places quoted 30+ per bag, Fish Den being highest at 38. I got 2 20lb bags for 39 shipped.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D4V1DI...e=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B005D4V1DI

 

[tlsrcs]

What size tank is this for? How many pounds would you suggest for a standard 55? Not wanting deep sand bed