Which type of sand from hardware store?

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hermie3
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Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by hermie3 » Mon Jul 20, 2020 3:50 pm

Our local hardware store carries two types of sand, I'm not sure which one is better for the tank. I can also go to a Home Depot, if brands there are ones that more people have used safely and can recommend.

Here is the sand I found- two kinds (and the information printed on the bag):

1) Basalite Utility Sand- 60 lbs. Kiln dried sand for: garden use, cat boxes, non-skid, construction uses
2) Basalite Natural Sand - 50 lbs. Kiln dried and washed for multiple uses: recreational sand, lawn and garden sand, paver sweep sand

Anyone familiar with these? Like I said, I can also go to Home Depot, if there is a brand/type there that works good for the tank.

Thank you!

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HermitofHermitCrabs
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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by HermitofHermitCrabs » Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:07 pm

Regular play sand is what you want.
9 PPs in a 125 G Terrarium since August 2020: Sebastian (F) - 2 Molts, Midnight (F) - 2 Molts, Red (M) - 2 Molts, Jello (F) - 3 Molts, Ninja (M) - 1 Molt, Shelly (M) - 1 Molt, Tiny (?) - 3 Molts, & Dot (?) - 1 Molt

Formerly had ~40 from 2004 to 2010.

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CrabbyLover77
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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by CrabbyLover77 » Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:15 pm

This is what I usually buy from Home Depot or Lowe's:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-50 ... /100318476

It's screened, washed, and dried.

Image


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hermie3
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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by hermie3 » Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:53 pm

Shoot. The closest Home Depot that carries that one is 60 miles away. For some reason the one near me does not have any in stock. :-(

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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by CrabbyLover77 » Mon Jul 20, 2020 4:59 pm

hermie3 wrote:Shoot. The closest Home Depot that carries that one is 60 miles away. For some reason the one near me does not have any in stock. :-(
Did you check Lowe's or an Ace Hardware? Just look for a playsand that's at a store near you. It's ok if it's not that particular brand. Image

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wodesorel
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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by wodesorel » Mon Jul 20, 2020 5:17 pm

Playsand has specifically been washed and screened, and because it is for kids the composition is well regulated. Basalite has a single MSDS for all their products, which states only "60%-100%" quartz sand. You want it to all be quartz sand. I'd be cautious since they aren't very forthcoming with what is in their stuff.
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hermie3
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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by hermie3 » Mon Jul 20, 2020 8:35 pm

Thank you, Wodesorel! That is super helpful. I couldn’t find any information on the Basalite packaging stating exactly what was in the sand. I’m so glad I asked here first. I will see if the nearest Lowe’s has some sand in stock specifically labeled as playsand. Thank you again!

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Re: Which type of sand from hardware store?

Post by wodesorel » Mon Jul 20, 2020 9:44 pm

What about pool filter sand? It is also well regulated, and pure quartz. Sometimes there are pool supply retailers in really odd places!
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