Who Gives A Fish Forums

I just picked up HTH pool filter sand and I'm freaking out over the label - it's like a laundry list of warnings. What's going on here?

Can someone please tell me if it's safe to use or not? I'm seriously concerned about all these warnings, it's got me spooked.

http/imgur.com/qtJVJ9V

That's a pic of the label, take a look for yourself.

These warnings are mainly about the dust from the sand, which is a health concern if you inhale it, especially. Once it's wet, it shouldn't be releasing any toxins, assuming it's pure silica sand. Just be careful when rinsing it, all sand has a lot of dust.

These warnings are more about the dust from the sand, it's a legit health issue if you inhale it, especially. Once it's wet, it should be fine, no toxins released if it's pure silica sand. Just be super careful when rinsing, all sand's got a lot of dust.

As for your hands, it's saying if you get it on your hands or clothes, change clothes right away and rinse those hands for 20 minutes.

Honestly, I'm a bit stumped here. I've never really dealt with this type of sand, so I'm not sure what to make of all these warnings. I usually just stick to play sand, which I know is safe to use, but this HTH pool filter sand seems like a whole different story.

Honestly, I'm stumped by this warning label. I'll admit, it's got me a bit concerned. I've only ever used play sand, which I know is safe. To be frank, I think I'll just stick with what I know and avoid this HTH sand altogether.

I've had pool filter white sand in my 29 gallon tank for two years now, and my Corys seem to really enjoy it. I just set up a new 10 gallon tank and decided to use it in there as well.

If pool filter sand was really that hazardous, would it be used to filter the water in swimming pools that millions of people swim in multiple times a year? It seems logical that if it's safe for humans to swim in, it should be fine for fish to swim above it in a tank.

I'm thinking the pool filters don't actually come into contact with the water people swim in, right? It's pumped away from the pool, isn't it?
I'm considering using gravel for my breeding setup, does anyone know where I can find a lot of good-sized aquarium gravel at a decent price?

I totally agree with Avalon's point about pool filters. The water does get pumped away from the pool, so it's not like the filters are directly in contact with the swimming water.

For your breeding setup, I've found that pea gravel can be a great option and it's super cheap. You can usually get it from landscape or quarry suppliers. If you're lucky, you might even find some finer gravels like river gravel. Just make sure it's inert, unless you're setting up for hard water fish. And if the fish you're breeding interact with the substrate, sand is probably a better choice.

boomer wrote: ↑Fri Mar 14, 2025 10:13 am These warnings are mainly about the dust from the sand, which is a health concern if you inhale it, especially. Once it's wet, it shouldn't be releasing any toxins, assuming it's pure silica sand. Just be careful when rinsing it, all sand has a lot of dust.

I'm still a bit confused about pool filters, don't they pump the water away from the pool, not directly touch the swimming water?

Moving on, I'm thinking of using gravel for my breeding setup - anyone know where I can get a lot of affordable, good-sized aquarium gravel?

Pea gravel is an option, available at landscape and quarry suppliers. You might get lucky and find finer gravels like river gravel, which will be way cheaper than 'aquarium' gravel. Just ensure it's inert, unless you're setting up for hard water.

I'll be breeding Cory cats, neptunes, endlers, shrimp, rainbowfish, and a pair of GBRs. I'm thinking of isolating the GBRs to try and get them to breed.

Considering my setup, I'm not sure if sand is the way to go - I'll be doing lots of water changes with bubble filters/sponge filters, and it'll be quick and fast. Won't the sand just go everywhere?