FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Went down to ace hardware and saw some sand not sure this is right ,so if anyone knows that would be grovey.

I don't believe it is, but some people do use that stuff. I personally find this type of sand to be too fine though. It also tends to be locally mined though so you can't be sure what's in it. With sand like this, people do a vinegar test - put some of the sand in vinegar and see if it fizzes: if it does then don't use it.

nimbulan wrote:I don't believe it is, but some people do use that stuff. I personally find this type of sand to be too fine though. It also tends to be locally mined though so you can't be sure what's in it. With sand like this, people do a vinegar test - put some of the sand in vinegar and see if it fizzes: if it does then don't use it.

Thanks man. I tested it and it fizzed like Alka-Seltzer!

Yep fizzing is an indication of the presence of free minerals that will dissolve in the water (especially since peat is acidic) and harm the plants. If you're having trouble locating silica sand, you can look for swimming pool supply stores (they use silica sand in water filters) or abrasive supply companies (sandblasting.) I have so much trouble finding silica sand here that I just use crushed glass - any inert material of appropriate size will work.

Quartz sand = Silica Sand. This can be found at almost any hardware or building supply store.

Branmuffin wrote:Quartz sand = Silica Sand. This can be found at almost any hardware or building supply store.

It's not at any of those stores anywhere around me. I just use pool filter sand from the pool store.

Silica sand may also be labeled as "commercial" sand - that's what Quikrete does, though their sand is much finer than pool filter sand.

Generally pool filter sand and the quartz and silica sand you will find at hardware stores is 40-60 grade. This is pretty fine grade sand for use with plants but can be used. It will tend to compact much easier than a larger particle. I think #12 is what most people prefer but it's nearly impossible to find.

Go to your auto body supply store and get sandblasting sand . It comes in different courses. You may be tempted to get the black but don't do it. It's Aluminium oxide.

Hungry Plants wrote:Go to your auto body supply store and get sandblasting sand . It comes in different courses. You may be tempted to get the black but don't do it. It's Aluminium oxide.

I have called around and everyone seem to be using glass bead, steel shot or some other alternative to silica sand for sandblasting purposes.