substrates

[sleschwin]

Does anyone know if its possible to {clean/sterilize} sand from a local lake to be used as a base substrate in a freshwater aquarium.

And does anyone have a good link to a list of natural or unatural substrates that are safe to use ie rocks,foam,plastics,ceramics....


any ideas here would be great.....

 

[babyfish]

you may be able to get away with washing it well and then microwave it

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Or place a cauldron full of water in your fireplace and wash it all at once.

I can tell you that inert stones such as granite and slate are good to use, but I can't give you any links, sorry. Oh yeah, stay away from limestone and any rocks that you are not sure about.

 

[bgraber]

Why not just go buy a bag of playground sand.. Very cheap, pretty sterile from the get go.