Silica Sand Smells Weird... Please Help

[Bennlfer]

I have just finished cleaning and inserting silica sand into my new 135 gallon tank and i noticed once i was putting it in that it has a weird smell.. Almost like a glue or something industrial like lol

Is this normal? Do you think it will be harmful to my fish?

[domjd05]

Was is pool filter sand or sandblast sand? or play sand?? I've never noticed any kind of smell with any silica sand I've used... what kind of bag did it come in? plastic? or thick paper?

[Wild Turkey]

Ive also never noticed a smell, however inhaling the sand dust is probably not a great idea in either case

[domjd05]

Very true Wild Turkey, silica's molecular composition is many many many times worse for your lungs than cigarette smoke and other carcinogens.

[Bennlfer]

I went to get play sand, but all i found was silica sand, it said on the bag to NEVER USE FOR BLASTING. It came in a thick paper bag. It did mention the hazard to your lungs and throat. The smell is faint, not very powerful.

[domjd05]

Hm, I was going to say if it was in a plastic bag that could've been responsible for the smell... I honestly don't know what to tell you though, I've never had that problem.

[Bennlfer]

Ok thanks anyway! :ssmile:

[Bennlfer]

So now i know why the bag said do not use for blasting on it. Most silica sand companies do not sell it for blasting purposes due to the high amount of dust made when the sand breaks up. As for the smell, maybe its just me or something, but we'll see when i put fish in to cycle =/

[Wild Turkey]

The dust is also linked to causing cancer if i remember correctly