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Old 10-31-2010, 08:36 PM
RajReef RajReef is offline
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I am going to use it for my Saltwater tank, however, it seems there is an ongoing argument about Silica sand being used in Saltwater tank.....I have done quiet a bit of research and this is my conclusion:

Pros:

The sand on the tropical beaches are Silica sand.

There is no difference between Calcium Carbonate based sand and Silica sand as far as fishes are concerned

Silica sand is inert in your tank as long as the water has a Ph of over 7.0

Silica sand is pretty much exactly the same material as the glass walls of your tank so the argument of more diatoms growing due to Silica is a myth.


Cons:

Silica sand won't automatically buffer your tank so you have to make sure you put crushed coral or aragonite in your filter to maintain proper Ph.

After looking at the Pros and Cons and comparing the price of Carbonate sands (7 times the price of Silica Sand). I think its pretty much a no brainer.

Let me know if you are interested.
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