dbrown918

I live on an island off the coast of MA and very close to the beach. Can I just grab sand from the beach and do something to sterilize it? It is pretty fine sand, not too course. Also, would it be a good idea to use my fluorite on the bottom inch and then use sand for the next inch or inch and a half? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Fish Addict

Depends, if you are going to be having live plants, then that could work with the flourite.
I'd imagine if you boiled it, and washed it, it probably could work. I think there may be some ways to test for chemicals, but I don't know what they are.

Dozey

For the very low cost of pool filter sand or construction sand ($5-$10 per 50lbs. bag) I wouldn’t put yourself through the headache of sifting the beach sand for debris, sanitizing it and then ultimately worrying if it is contaminated with oil or other substance.

agabr123

personally i wouldn't risk it, there could be all kinds of nasty junk on that sand and like dozey said you can get a 50lb bag of pool filter sand pretty cheaply, i got mine for about $6

capekate

I also agree with Dozey and Alex..
I also live on the coast of MA but bought my pool filter sand and well worth the small amount in cost compared to the time consumed trying to clean beach sand..

navyscuba

Pool places down here in Fl get the Quickcrete Coarse sand like Dozey mentioned I personally got it and it cleans fast. You can get it on Lowes or Home Depot for $5 for a 50lbs bag. Notice the bag is plastic not like other sands. It says multipurpose sand coarse.
Good Luck.