Is there a suitable inexpensive substitute for aragonite sand as a marine substrate?
>>Nothing that I can reliably advise, I’m sorry to say. >I’m assuming DE is a no-no due to the silicates and small particle size. >>No, the silicate is not a problem, neither is the particle SIZE. It is particle SHAPE that is at issue, silicate-based sand/substrata can be *quite* abrasive, with sharp corners that are not conducive to the activity we seek from certain flora/fauna when setting up DSBs. >We have a limestone quarry nearby, but I’m not sure whether limestone sand can’t be leached to an acceptable pH for marine aquarium use. >>Well, limestone is what it is because it’s essentially compressed coral skeletons. It is calcareous in nature, and therefore should both buffer strongly and provide an acceptable pH for marine or similar use. As long as it’s clean and has no other minerals that CAN leach undesirable compounds in saltwater, there should really be no problem. A test run would be advisable if you’re really in doubt. Marina Deep sand beds and alkalinity Thank you again!!!
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