FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

Hi, I found quartz (silica) sand at the local store. I don't have a TDS meter, but the package shows the following chemicals:

SiO2 min. 96%
pH 6,8 neutral
Fe2O3 max. 0,3%
AI2O3 max. 0,6%
CaO2+Nao2+KO2 max. 1%
P.L. max. 0,2%
P.C. max. 0,9%

Will that be good for carnivorous plants? I read somewhere that silica/quartz sand can also be tested using vinegar. I put some sand in vinegar and didn't notice any reaction.

Yep, that should work fine.

Whash it.

I found another package of silica sand with the same chemicals:

SiO2 min. 96%
pH 6,8 neutral
Fe2O3 max. 0,3%
AI2O3 max. 0,6%
CaO2+Nao2+KO2 max. 1%
P.L. max. 0,2%
P.C. max. 0,9%

but it has and additional thing which makes it white in color:

ceramic polymer. 1%

I don't know if the ceramic polymer has any side effect on carnivorous plants. Any idea? I put it in vinegar and it started making small bubbles. I suppose it's bad.

On the package it says that the sand is not soluble in water and doesn't modify the pH of the water.

Might be OK. If it says it's not soluble in water and doesn't modify the pH, I'd guess it would be OK.

I've heard of the vinegar test before, but I don't believe it to be an accurate one.

Thank you. Your time is appreciated.
I'll soak in rainwater for a few weeks then rinse it.