I have a 18 month old nano with play sand (silica) and
aragonite sand. I washed the sand and let it dry and then baked it in the oven at 350 for 25 minutes to steralize it. I have to keep a very close eye on the
phosphates. With my new tank, I steared clear of silica and just bit the big one. I am under the impression that silica based sand leaches
phosphates in low levels. I do not use tap water in my tank and do not over feed either so it's not coming from food containing this. Just my own personal thoughts. Oh and PhotoJohn, you can call your local DNR and they will give you your local area laws on the natural resources there.
