Habitat - Indoor :: Playsand, how safe?

[Jimothy]

I finally have my tank & sump running for long enough to start adding all the extras...

I bought playsand @ $3.29/50lbs from home depot, I bought 300lbs to be sure that after washing I would have at least 200lbs for 1 inch depth and extra to fill my basking platform.

I washed it for a few minutes, after stirring it settles within 10 seconds... great success...

My question is about the little rocks that are mixed in...
I was about to start adding the washed sand when I noticed tiny rocks, I have 6" RESs, are these small enough or do I have to get them out.
If I have to remove them then how?

[untsmurf]

Play sand is safe.

It depends on how big the rocks are. If they are about the size of the sand grains, it should be alright. But if you get a net and scoop up the sand and sift it out, you should be able to pull out any debris and have just sand left over. It's an arduous process, but worth it. And I sift mine under water, I don't know how it would work if it was dry.

[Jimothy]

I am dumping each bucket of washed sand into a huge rubbermaid container waiting for your reply, the only net I have is a small fish net.
Should I add water to the rubbermaid and use this?

[untsmurf]

I use the regular green fish net to sift through mine. It works great. Just keep the rim just above water and agitate it, the sand will sift out the gunk will stay in.

[Jimothy]

I think this would work better with a larger net... Store is closed though, so I will see what progress I can make with the little one.

Thanks for your help.