can I use sand from the beach?

[shell]

Is there any problem with using sand from the local beach? If so would I need to do anything special to clean it?

Thanks for all the advice.

Shell

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome to reefs.org, shell. There are going to be several issues with using "wild" harvested sand; parasites, pollution, nuisance life forms (both plant and animal), as well as mineral content.

You can do something about the nuisance life forms and possible parasites, bleaching would be the most viable (and likely to succeed) form. Pollution is another story entirely, as is mineral content. If you can determine that the sand is pollution free (especially heavy metals, pesticides, that sort of thing), then that leaves you with three problems down, one to go-mineral content. If you can determine that it's mostly inert or calcareous material (lime/calcium presence can be determined quite simply by pouring a bit of vinegar on it; if it bubbles and froths, then you know it's at least a bit calcareous), then it may be safe. If you determine that it's of a volcanic source, for instance (and not inert obsidian), then you would have to contend with potentially troublesome mineral leaching.

There may be others who think of other issues/problems with using beach sand, so I won't say, "Then it's absolutely safe" just yet.

 

[Anonymous]

Nice post Seamaiden. I can' think of anything to add.

Hi Shell, and welcome to Reefs.org.

Louey

 

[shell]

Thanks so much for the response. I'll let you know what I find out.
shell

 

[Anonymous]

I would use it but bleach it and rinse it.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, but you thought you could mix your seawater using Kosher salt, too.

 

[Anonymous]

I still remember last thread about using bleach on sand... I still feel that the time and resource on such a task is so much that it is almost always cheaper and easier to get the sand from LFS than going thru the hassle.