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That's it. It needs to stay dry if used for blasting
Low free silica means that the material is low in silica dust. Inhaling silica particles for prolonged periods can cause silicosis.Also going to piggyback this thread (sorry)
I notice photos of black diamond say "Low free silica".. I've heard contradicting arguments that silica is the cause of diatoms (not sure which side I beleive). So does this mean black diamond is more prone to cause diatoms than 'normal aquarium sand' if silica is the 'main food source' for diatoms?
This would be used in a species only tank, the fish going in isn't communal friendly and will eat shrimp/snail and peck at ottos to death. SO I'm trying to find the most non diatom prone substrate, if the argument that substrate does feed diatoms is valid.Low free silica means that the material is low in silica dust. Inhaling silica particles for prolonged periods can cause silicosis.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001191/
http://www.ensioresources.com/Learning_Center/silica_free.html
Not sure what causes diatoms but it usually goes away when your setup is established and your plants are growing well. If not, otos and amanos will eat it and keep it under control.
What species of fish? To be honest, I've never had a problem with diatoms in an established tank even without otos or shrimp. I think diatoms are caused by free silicates in the water but that's up for debate. Black diamond blasting sand is pretty much recycled coal slag so you shouldn't be having issues with silica.This would be used in a species only tank, the fish going in isn't communal friendly and will eat shrimp/snail and peck at ottos to death. SO I'm trying to find the most non diatom prone substrate, if the argument that substrate does feed diatoms is valid.
Dwarf puffers, they'll eat mts, shirmp, and i've read peck at fins of slow fish (ottos seem likea slow.. not-gonna-move-a-lot type fish). And thank you for explaining that ^^What species of fish? To be honest, I've never had a problem with diatoms in an established tank even without otos or shrimp. I think diatoms are caused by free silicates in the water but that's up for debate. Black diamond blasting sand is pretty much recycled coal slag so you shouldn't be having issues with silica.
Depends on the personality of the puffer but yeah, they're a curious bunch and love to investigate things before taking a bite out of them.Dwarf puffers, they'll eat mts, shirmp, and i've read peck at fins of slow fish (ottos seem likea slow.. not-gonna-move-a-lot type fish). And thank you for explaining that ^^
Lucky you! Paying shipping is the biggest pain for this sorta stuff.This is the same black diamond, also known as black beauty blasting sand? If so, it is crushed coal coke. I didn't think it would be safe to put in a tank but if it is, I found my substrate. My dad hauls the stuff bulk all the time, lol.
Here is a calculator to figure it out.Good to know. How much would fo a cap do I need over about 2-3 inches of dirt in the tank?