Black Diamond sand blasting media - Tractor Supply - Is this a safe substrate?

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Has anyone used or know someone who has used Black Diamond Sand Blasting media from Tractor Supply as a substrate in an aquarium ?

Is this media safe for Fish ?

http://www.tractorsupply.com/sandblasting-tools-accessories/black-diamond-20-40-blasting-media-50-lb--3905403

[four_by_ken]

People all over the internet use it.

The only reason I didnt was that it is a little on the sharper side than typical silca sand.  And that is not recommended for true sand sifter fish.

But, that is all in internet reading that I found.

If I used it with fish other than our Albus, I wouldn't worry.  These suckers are CONSTANTLY in the sand.

[Jaws22]

I would beware of this, It says recyled who knows what chemicals are used to clean this.

[Regalblue]

I would beware of this, It says recyled who knows what chemicals are used to clean this.

exactly my thoughts

PM Mandalawi, he found a good place for aquarium safe blasting sand.

[mandalawi]

Thanks Blair,
 Keep in mind i don't know if you would call it Aquarium safe. But i haven't seen any issues Fish wise that i can relate it to. It WILL however scratch your glass should you trap it in any type of sponge or magnet when cleaning the glass.

[four_by_ken]

Thanks Blair,
 Keep in mind i don't know if you would call it Aquarium safe. But i haven't seen any issues Fish wise that i can relate it to. It WILL however scratch your glass should you trap it in any type of sponge or magnet when cleaning the glass.

So, what is this stuff?

[Ron]

It WILL however scratch your glass should you trap it in any type of sponge or magnet when cleaning the glass.

Won't any sand do that?

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

While searching the internet, here is what I found:

Black Beauty® Abrasive

AKA: Boiler slag, coal slag


Chemical Name:

An amorphous mixture of Fe, Al, and Ca silicates

Description:

A black boiler slag abrasive with the following advantages: low
moisture content, high degree of etch for permanent bonding of coatings,
readily used in standard equipment in commerce, inert, fast cutting due
to sharp angular edges, hardness, more economical,longer lasting and
leaves minimum dust

Typical Chemical Composition

Silicon Dioxide= 47.20%,
Aluminum oxide= 21.39%,
Titanium dioxide= 1.01%,
Ferric oxide= 19.23%,
Calcium oxide= 6.80%,
Magnesium Oxide= 1.47%,
Potassium Oxide= 1.60% and
Sodium Oxide= 0.62%

Grades:

Utility Grade #BB1043- A coarse grade used for tough blasting jobs

Medium Grade #BB1243- Used for general purpose repair and maintenance
blasting

Fine Grade #BB2043- Used for new construction, light paint and rust
removal, and for special maintenance applications requiring reduced
profiles

Extra Fine Grade #BB3063- Used to clean surfaces and create a smooth
finish, Brush-Off Blast, or in a high pressure water blast system

Typical Physical Properties:

Particle Shape angular, sharp
Specific Gravity (g/cm3) 2.7

Bulk Density (g/cm3) 75-1-- lbs. per cu. ft.

Melting Point (°C) greater than 2300
Moisture Content less than 0.5%
Conductivity @230°C (cal/s-cm-°C) less than 25 micro Siemens
Mohs Hardness @20°C 6-7
Free Silica less than 1%


Typical Applications:

Used frequently as an sandblast abrasive on sea faring vessels, tanks,
aggregate exposure, castings, structural steel, buildings, railroad
equipment and bridges.

Packaging:

Multiply paper bags, bulk bags and loose bulk

TSCA (SARA Title III) Status:

Unknown. For further information please call the E.P.A.
at 1.800.535.0202

CAS Number:

68476-96-0

Carcinogenicity:
o NTP= No
o IARC Monographs= No
o OSHA Regulated= No

Safety Comment:

When used as a blasting abrasive, carefully review and
follow the recommendations stated in the Material Safety Data Sheet

Trademark:

Black Beauty is a registered trademark of Harsco Corporation, and Black
Beauty ® Abrasive is manufactured by Harsco through its Reed Minerals
Division.

[djlamonica]

People use this stuff all the time there is about 1000 post on mfk about this.  It seems to be safe.

[four_by_ken]

People use this stuff all the time there is about 1000 post on mfk about this.  It seems to be safe.

That is what I have found also... lots of people use it.

[Steve]

I know of at least 10-15 people over on cichlid-forum.com that use it for years now with no problems. I have never personally used it myself so I can't speak on it beyond that. Just passing along that there are a lot of people that do use it.

[RichE]

I have read that you need to rinse it a lot before going in your tank, other then that I say go for it. A 50# bag is like $9 so if you dont like it your not out too much

[tugboat]

I have used it for years and never had any problems.

[Maize-N-Blue-D]

Well then looks like this a safe and cheap.  Good call Ken...

[Helloitsme]

I don't mean to offend anyone but, it's Sand Blasting Media! They make this stuff it's called Aquarium Substrate. You can get it at every aquarium shop I've ever been in and even Meijer. If your going to buy enough of it most shops will even make you a deal. Washing substrate is by far my least favorite part of setting up a new aquarium, so I buy the pre-washed stuff.  Don't skimp on the substrate it's one of the most important parts of the Aquarium. That's just me.