Silica Sand

Is there any problem with using silica sand mixed with coco fiber. I'm looking for white sand and Home Depot has 100lbs for less than a 10 lb bag of Repti Sand. It is really fine sand, but thought I would check to see if there is any risk in using it. hanks

If theres nothing added to it, it should be safe but I always try to mix...by the way this has been moved from scorp id section as it has nothing to do with Id'ing a scorp.

I have been using silica sand for a while. I also mix it with cocofiber for my less arid species. I usually get mine at a fish store so like Eddy said make sure it doesn't have any additives that can be harmful to your little scorp.

if i'm not mistaken, i believe repti-sand is a silica based sand as well.



John

Cool...I will make sure nothing is added. I figured it would be okay, but thought it was best to check. Thanks

I got the Home Depot silica...it is additive free...very fine and white. Looks good mixed with coco fiber and should make it much easier to see the scorpions and still hold some humidity in the big tank.

Next plan is to mix it with the excavator substrate when I start the desert community enclosure in a couple months.

One more question...should I bake the sand since it isn't from a pet store....or is it silly to cook sand?

If it should be sterilized...what temp is best and for how long?

Yes, i think you shold sterilize the sand, the metod is up to you, i think that boiling it for 5 minutes will do...

Preheat oven to 425 F then cook for 10-12 mins untill there a cripsy crust...

Seriously if there isn't any additives you shouldn't have too but, you can if you want to, to be and the safe side anyway. I have never had a problem with the sand I would get at "hopo".

i use it in my fish tanks so i cant see why it would harm your scorp

Its in the tank now...I have a 50/50 mix of coc fiber and sand...gonna add more sand to make it a bit lighter...It won't hurt babycrurus Jacksoni to have 70sand/30 coco fiber will it? As long as I keep half wet...of course. Let me know cuz its 50/50 now

so, I've been gone for a while and I'm catching up with all these posts...silica sand, as stated is fine so long as it's additive free. as far as sterilization - I've been working in the body modification industry for ages and I recommend baking at 425-500f for 15-30min. I always recommend sterilizing new substrates because there can be trace amounts of chemicals and insecticides from transport (they bomb transport vehicles so that bugs don't end up taking a free ride and invading transported items, particularly items to be sold in hardware stores).

haha I was close for the temp. and time