Desert sand

Discussion in 'Pet Stop' started by epiphysis, Jan 19, 2012.

  1. epiphysis

    epiphysis

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Centurion, South Africa
  2. Guest




  3. azurekoi

    azurekoi Loaches & Gobies

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,077
    Likes Received:
    61
    Location:
    Pretoria
    Think what you are referring to is the sand they use for reprile vivariums.... No Go there mate,sorry. Reptile sand is enriched with Calcium - not only will this make your water EXTREMELY hard,but will lead to a breakout of Staghorn algae... Another thing against it is it's extreme fineness - less than 1mm grain size.... plant roots will not like that....
     
  4. Mzungu

    Mzungu Threadfin Rainbow

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2011
    Messages:
    233
    Likes Received:
    10
    Location:
    Pretoria
    I cannot see what you are referring to(link just takes me to pet stop's homepage) But if you are referring to black silica sand, its ok to use, 2 of my nano's run with predominantly black silica, giving it an almost shiny, pitch black effect. I wont keep cory's on it, as it is a bit sharp though. Most of the cheaper 'sand' is actually black silica.
    'If it is a 'black' vita sand, no go, as @azurekoi said, its fortified, and will mess up your water parameters.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  5. OP
    epiphysis

    epiphysis

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Centurion, South Africa
    Don't know why the link is not going through. But yeah, its the sand for reptiles.

    Makes sense what you say @azurekoi. Was just wondering because I asked a local pet shop before and they said its just sand, can use it for anything. He was not very convincing to me.

    @Mzungu, can you maybe pm me where you got the black silica from.

    Otherwise I'll just go with some leftover pfs. But the black would be so much better.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  6. Immy

    Immy

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2011
    Messages:
    231
    Likes Received:
    6
    Location:
    Humewood, PE
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2012
  7. azurekoi

    azurekoi Loaches & Gobies

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,077
    Likes Received:
    61
    Location:
    Pretoria
    @Immy - not sure......that is something @Moolis would be able to answer....
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  8. Immy

    Immy

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2011
    Messages:
    231
    Likes Received:
    6
    Location:
    Humewood, PE
    Oh well, we can just Google 4.5Kg Desert Sand Black R128.00 for now, lol. Should be the first link that comes up.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2012
  9. azurekoi

    azurekoi Loaches & Gobies

    Joined:
    Sep 29, 2010
    Messages:
    4,077
    Likes Received:
    61
    Location:
    Pretoria
    No need to.... As said earlier,it is totally unsuitable for aquarium use.... Unless you keeping something like Tanganyikans and want your tank filled with Staghorn algae from the high Calcium levels...lol. Or want to watch your plants slowly die as their roots rot in the substrate.... REALLY NOT suitable for use in an Aquarium...
     
  10. OP
    epiphysis

    epiphysis

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Centurion, South Africa
    Yip, thats it. Will try something else. All just in the planning stage for my nano. Still got bristlenose babies in there for another month or so.
     
  11. Mzungu

    Mzungu Threadfin Rainbow

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2011
    Messages:
    233
    Likes Received:
    10
    Location:
    Pretoria
    Yeah, thats not silica. If you want a black effect, how about Onyx Sand?
     
  12. OP
    epiphysis

    epiphysis

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2011
    Messages:
    68
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Centurion, South Africa
    Yeah thats an option. But as I say I'm planning on a moss-planted nano. So I don't want to spend R400+ on a substrate that isnt needed and of wich I'm only going to use less than a quarter of a bag.
     

Recent Posts

Loading...
Similar Threads - Desert sand Forum Date
Malawi Desert!!! (Rock & Sand) Members Systems Oct 1, 2015
DesertConverts New 4ft Members Systems Apr 6, 2018
Breeding marine fish in the desert General Discussions Oct 23, 2013
happy birthday desertconvert General Discussions Mar 15, 2013
DesertConverts 4 Foot Journey Members Systems Feb 18, 2013
happy birthday desertconvert General Discussions Mar 15, 2012
NEW Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate, Gravels, Sand Jungle Aquatics Oct 7, 2023

Share This Page