Silica Sand where can i find it

[gmoses]

I am going to be aquascaping and i would like to find some cheap white sand. I think if i recall silica is cheap and i can find it in white and it is safe? Any one know where i can get some or something similar in central jersey (brunswick area)
Also what is the best method for removing a gravel bottom and replacing w sand in an established tank.
Thank you

[CJC]

Here's where I got mine from but, I think they have a min. order of 3 40lb bags, you'd have to check. I think it was like &27- a bag. The place is just off of Rt 46. I like the Buff as it is some what more natural looking.

http://agsco.thomasnet.com/Asset/3M%...008.030308.pdf

I just took a dust pan and scooped the gravel out with the water & fish still in the tank. You can rinse the silica but, I didn't and it wasn't to bad. I'd rinse it quick though.

[Flareside]

I bought pure white decorative sand from Home Depot. I think its 7.99 for a 50 lb bag.
It says not for aquariums, but if you rinse it well (lots of white dust) its fine for your tanks. I have it in 20 tanks and no problems. I bought three more bags over the weekend for a couple of 75 gallons I am setting up.

[gmoses]

where is it located..by the play sand or another area?

[Flareside]

in my store its in the area where you find side walk pavers.
I just looked at the label on an unused bag.

Its made by Paverstone.
Its called "High Desert Play Sand"

The bag has a golden yellow label, clear bag with white sand inside. There is no weight on it, but I would guess its 50 or 60 lbs.

I usually mix a couple cups of black moon sand in to create that salt and pepper looking "eco complete sand" look (for much less than buying eco complete)

[Buckcich]

Flareside where can I pick up black moon sand? Thanks for the info

[gmoses]

looked today they only had the beige play sand... i will keep looking i guess.

[Flareside]

moses, HD will have it shortly with spring around the corner. Did you ask an employee? I know my local HD is a mess outside right now in their outdoor area, it may just be up on a rack somewhere out of sight?

most larger fish stores have black moon sand. I believe Pet Smart had it also.

thatfishplace also has it, though its not called moon sand, I think it was just called black sand. I bought some a few weeks back when they had free shipping

[twisted fisher]

thatfishplace has argonite fairly cheap i think i paid 30 for a 20lb bag

i also saw smaller bags of colored sand for 3.99 each for 5lbs i believe

[mbudd]

i picked up pool filter sand from local hot tub store.paid 11 dollars for 50 pound bag

[briann844]

I also use white sand from home depot in a couple of my tanks. Like Flareside said, rinse very well. Lowes has cheap tan colored sand as well.

[Flareside]

a new PetSmart opened nearby on Monday. I found the black moon sand there for $22 for a 20 lb bag. I use a ratio of 4 cups of moon sand, to a complete bag of white sand from HD to get the eco complete white and black look

(the moon sand also comes with a pouch of water treatment to help clear the cloudiness)