Sand

[nepenthes gracilis]

Hey everyone, I just bought a 50 lb bag of Play sand and was wonderign if it is OK for my CP's? I check it with Apple vinigar but no fizzing was there so i am assuming it is OK but i just wanted 2nd opinions. Thanks! NG

 

[Statik2426]

Put some in a cup with water and wash a little bit to see if it's dirty. I usually get the same brand of sand all the time but once in a while it's dirty and the water turns black. If it's dirty I usually wash it or just use it for non-cp.

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

OK but it is OK for Cp right?

 

[Mike King]

Hi Nep G.
Too risky, but Iwould buy anything that read on the side of the packaging things like 'quartz' or 'silica' or 'silver' sand as they would be acid and therefore ideal for CPs in reaction. I hope that helps

 

[Tamlin Dawnstar]

Here is another test: take some sand and put it on a piece of glass. Rub it hard with your finger, if it scratches the glass it is silica. I use a brand of "Play Sand" that Walmart carries after washing it well, and it serves. As we know sand is not just sand when it comes to CP, so you want to be sure of which "Play Sand" you really have before potting a lot pf plants in it.

Another good source for silica sand are businesses that deal in pool supplies: silica sand is used in pool filters, and is coarser than play sand, and I prefer this product.
I believe this is also stocked by Walmart.

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

I'll try that tamlin, THanks!

 

[nepenthes gracilis]

Nope, no scatches. Dang!

I even tried it on an old watch glass cover and still not one hariline scratch.