Sand blasting sand as a substrate

[Erik]

Has anybody used this? It appears to be quartz, comes in different sizes and is very inexpensive.

Thanks,

Erik

 

[Pescado Guy]

well rumors have it that quartz is good but I'm not quite sure where I hear these rumors...

 

[swozzie]

Quartz won't have any effect on your PH. Sand isn't very good for plants, since their roots have trouble growing in it. Also, you need to get water flowing passed the roots and you can't do this with sand.

 

[Lateral Line]

If the blasting sand is pure quartz, then it should be okay. If it is graded, then it may actually be quite good. The biggest problem with sand is the smaller grains drop between the bigger ones and it packs down. Even sized grains won't do that. That is why I use swimming pool filter sand - even grain size.

>>> Sand isn't very good for plants,

Plants grow better in sand and fine grained substrates. Gravel is a very un-natural medium for aquatic plants. I have collected plants on three continents and almost without exception, they grow in a very fine grained mud, often with a very high organic content, and I can atest to the fact that it usually stinks when you start digging around in it!

 

[Erik]

Thanks (tak) for the input. It is graded/ screened and is very consistent in size. It is also very clean requiring little rinsing.

Erik

 

[modernhamlet]

I'm personally a fan of swimming pool filter sand, which I believe is similar to what you're talking about. Inexpensive, very clean, and too heavy to get sucked up by the python.