Colored Sand

[ckevin]

Thought of using black colored sand found in fresh water shops. Already have about 3 inches of matured sand bed. Just want to lay a layer of black sand for aesthetic purpose. Is it Ok?

thank you.

[trader_best]

dun think so leh....e material is different, not for saltwater.....

[19percula]

better not

i m afriad it might lose its colour and then pollute yr water

[ai[k²]wan]

u can always try this dunno what caribsea thing .. think flubberina is using dat?

[ckevin]

Thanks all for advise!

[Nautical]

if purely for aesthetic purpose, then, trouble not troubles until troubles trouble you.

u may want to research the attributes of these black sand before embarking on the project. can u imagine got to segregate the coloured sand if no good for tank .... to much free time izzit ? joking lah

[Kalib]

I think better not use the sand unless we can be certain of the material of the sand and whether it will leech anything into the water or not.

[bawater]

Why not? you can use pink,red,white,marbles,river gravel...as long as it's inert and for aquarium use. Although i would stay away from the pink & red gravel as it seems to be coated.

If you want black- get the better grade that comes in 6kg & 10kg bags(black lava gravel),planted LFS should have them- not those cheap $2-$3 bags that have colored glass mixed in.

Using it solely just for the look of it is fine.

But if you want to layer it on top of a current mature sand bed......its going to get mixed up in time then you'll end up with white and what looks like black bits of left over road tar but if you don't mind that fusion look.

There's no harm.

Black also absorbs light & you will find the tank looks(to the human eye) a little dimmer.

[ckevin]

If you want black- get the better grade that comes in 6kg & 10kg bags(black lava gravel),planted LFS should have them- not those cheap $2-$3 bags that have colored glass mixed in.

Hi Bawater,

I actually called a few of the LFS owners regarding this matter. Henry(ML) specifically listed LAVA gravel as an absolute nono. He mentioned that it is fine with the river gravel though. In fact, i got many different answers from almost all of them. Creating quite a confusion.

Have you personally or any close friend that you know used the black lava gravel for extended periods without side effects? He must own a healthy reef of course

Thank you for taking time to answer.

[ckevin]

Hi Bawater,

I just read the article 'Are You Thinkin Of Setting Up A Marine Tank?, Just to get you started' written by you. I am glad you touched on the substrate issue . Clears alot of doubt really.

Think i will proceed with the project. Thanks again.

Warmest Regards,

Kevin

[bawater]

yes i have used it but it was the sole substrate .(in your case its mixed). i used it for a seahorse tank so it wasn't for a DSB or anything- just looks. It ran for 2yrs.

The bad thing is that the grain is sharp, if you have sand sifting fishes then it may damaged their mouths.

For reef usage i have only used riversand(quartz sand), beach sand(silicate) and the normal coral sand grade 0 & 1.

i have to state that there is a cheap version of it which is a mix of other materials...that one i never tried.

Dun like the look of the yellow glass and some greyish grains in it.

[ckevin]

Hi Bawater,

thanks. I went on to buy a pack of black sand! Bought the most expensive pack with assuring words like '100% natural'and 'from streams' printed on packing. Sometimes i think i am suckered for my ignorance. But hey.. can't risk it right?

Thank you again. Will post pics of my nano very soon.

[Razo]

Hi Bawater,

thanks. I went on to buy a pack of black sand! Bought the most expensive pack with assuring words like '100% natural'and 'from streams' printed on packing. Sometimes i think i am suckered for my ignorance. But hey.. can't risk it right?

Thank you again. Will post pics of my nano very soon.

hey do keep us posted of your new project..