Florida sand... Ok to use?

[onewickedsvt]

Hey guys, I'm from the Bronx, but currently in boynton beach, fl.

Can I use the sand from here?

If so, where from the beach? Ex: deep in the water, where the waves break(usually muddy type sand, although very fine), or where you lounge in your chair?

Sorry for the stupid ?.

Thanks

 

[b-ridge]

Not sure but I don't think you want the sand your chair is lounging in. That's where the drinks were spilled, the cigarettes were put out. Garbage. Etc

 

[BioMan]

not sure which sand is best, but I have some pieces of rock that washed ashore in my cube that look nice,,ziploc bag them and put em in your suitcase.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

i wouldn't use the sand....

 

[Yani1133]

Depending on the beach you want to find sand near the water that is firm when you stand on it while its wet. Pick a beach that is more remote and not at a major city aka like miami. Noone wants ecoli from runoff in their tank

 

[onewickedsvt]

Thanks for advice guys!

 

[Imbarrie]

That is not the sand you see in LFS for saltwater tanks.
Florida sand is just like NY sand, silica based. It will not buffer and it is not recommended for fish that ingest sand due to the sharp jagged shapes of the grains.
You want calcium based sand for tanks. Especially for goby like fish as it is rounded in shape and less likely to irritate.

 

[onewickedsvt]

Awesome knowledge learned.

Thank you very much.

 

[homegrowncichlid]

The beaches around Miami is manicured by the city and they import silicate sand in. Down by the Keys, you have white calcium sand. I bring back base rock and sand every time I fly back. Just pull over on the highway and grab some rocks.

 

[albano]

As far as I know, that Florida rock is loaded with phosphates!

 

[homegrowncichlid]

Well I guess Florida is part of the mainland runoff/esturarian versus the south Pacific's pristine nature. At least its cheaper then buying cultured Florida live rock. I haven't measured the leachate from the rocks, I just use them and cycle the tank.