Cheapest Reef Safe Bulk sand

[CSDavid]

Hello all,

I am wondering what is the cheapest bulk sand that is reef safe? This will not be used as a sand bed but instead will be used to create some cement sand molds. I’m looking for something very fine like CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand but cheaper. CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand Is basically quartz sand so I’d like something like that in bulk. Again this won’t be in the sand bed so I’m not worrying about the sand being sharp, just don’t want anything leaching into my water. Does anyone have any suggestions? TIA

 

[fermentedhiker]

Pool filter sand is basically inert quartz I think. Nothing to leach and available at my local hardware store in 40 or 50 lbs bags.

 

[Sailfin11]

I've used this from Ace Hardware (link attached) before. I believe it is meant for pools but it says safe for saltwater systems on the bag. For 50 lbs at $13, it was a great deal!

 

[fermentedhiker]

I've used this from Ace Hardware (link attached) before. I believe it is meant for pools but it says safe for saltwater systems on the bag. For 50 lbs at $13, it was a great deal!

That's exactly what I've used as well.

 

[CSDavid]

That would be perfect pool filter sand thanks

 

[Twink_w_a_Reef]

Quartz is inert so it won’t leach at all, but Quartz is made from Silica Dioxide so I’d rinse the sand very thoroughly and let it soak a while before adding it in.

 

[jda]

Silica is fine if you don't need it to buffer, house bacteria or keep animals in (like fine filter feeders). You might see some old dogma claiming that it will release silicates into the tank water, but this does not happen.