Southdown sand potential problem.

[Chuck]

Hello all,
I was browsing some sites to findout if slate was truly ok for use in reef tank (I would still like to know btw) and I ran across this article.

"Southdown Manufacturer Warning - Here is what the representative from Southdown made a point to say that he has been hearing that people have been adding there sand in salt water aquarium and that we should be informed to how the sand is collected and transported and stored. Southdown will scoop the sand with machinery and dump tons and tons in dump trucks then transport and dump the sand in large outside storage bins. Warning!!!!!! As we all know how fine this sand is he told me that as they dump the sand in the bins they will spray a liquid oily lubricant on the sand to keep the dust (sand) from flying which can be very hazardous if the sand is not washed prior to adding any animal life. Another reason to wash your sand thoroughly is Southdown is not only a sand manufacture they also manufacture different typed of gravel and rocks like slate, marble, lava rock, etc. The rock is stored in the same bins as the Southdown sand which means that other rubble is packaged with Southdown sand. " :shock:

Here is the link to the original article.
http://bonsai_reef.tripod.com/journal.html

[captexas]

I would think that just to keep the sand from blowing out of the trucks that they would just use water. After all, chemicals/oils cost money which in turn cut down on profits. Wish the trucks around here used something to keep their loads from blowing out on the roadway!

[Tim Marvin]

I would doubt that they would spend money on oils to keep the sand down, but it could be like a mineral oil, non toxic to children but could cause problems in a reef. I have used a bunch of SD and never had problems. It is a thought though.

[Chuck]

I have no idea if this statement is legit but I thought if it was you guys would want to know.

Does anyone know if slate is safe for reef? I have always thought it was but would like some other opinions.
thanks

[TexasState]

I have never washed my SD sand. I have always put it directly into the bottom of the tank. I have found some large, silver dollar sized rock mixed in w/ the SD.
Tim should remember about the rocks, good thing I sold him my live sand in bulk, or he would've think that I'm trying to weight down my sand w/ extra rock. :lol:

[Tim Marvin]

Personally I like all different sized chunks in my sand. I mix in LR rubble to give it some character.