Sand for FW tanks

Discussion in 'General Freshwater Information' started by stauchistory, Sep 27, 2010.

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  1. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    Just a real quick question. Can aragonite sand intended for SW tanks be used for FW?
     
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  3. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

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    Yes, but you likely only want to do that in a higher-pH freshwater tank. When you get below 7.4, aragonite will dissolve and release calcium and carbonates into the water, and raise the pH.

    So, no for an acidic tank, yes for a basic tank.
     
  4. stauchistory

    stauchistory Feather Duster

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    If the sand s previously in a SW tank, is there anything that needs done before using it or FW, besides rinsing it thoroughly?
     
  5. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

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    I would think a very, very good rinse would be all you need.
     
  6. Golden Rhino

    Golden Rhino Spaghetti Worm

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    Correct me if I'm wrong, but IIRC, Aragonite dissolves even in higher PH water, hence its use as a buffering substrate in SW aquariums (8.0 - 8.4 PH). Calcite (the form of calcium carbonate in coral heads, coral rubble, and crushed coral) is the one that requires lower PH (higher acidity) to dissolve, the reason it did not buffer SW as expected back in the early days.