Desert sand

Would it be possible to use the black Desert Sand as a substrate for a low-tech nano set-up? I'm planning one with moss as a covering and won't really need flourite or aquasoil.

http://www.onlinepetshop.co.za/inde...tegory_id=149&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=85

 

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....

 

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.

 

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.

 

http://www.onlinepetshop.co.za/inde...tegory_id=149&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=85

Also curious why the link isn't working... for some reason, the link address changes when it's pasted here.

 

@Immy - not sure......that is something @Moolis would be able to answer....

 

Oh well, we can just Google 4.5Kg Desert Sand Black R128.00 for now, lol. Should be the first link that comes up.

 

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...

 

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.

 

Yeah, thats not silica. If you want a black effect, how about Onyx Sand?

 

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.