All you EVER wanted to know about Southdown

[Grumpy Vet]

Hi all.

I thought perhaps I could help everyone out a little bit by consolidating all information on the southdown sand situation w/ Home Depot.

The reason I do this - it keeps popping up - but not the whole story - so after a couple phone calls, a few HD trips and some research here we go:

Southdown tropical play sand is the new thing in reef beds. Why? A study was done and found that this sand has a "perfect" mixture of particulate size for DSBs. Don't ask me - I use CC and am intent on killing my fish. I got some for my seahorse tank and refugium.

Ok - now who can get it? Unfortunately it is only available from Home Depot in the Northeast. Southdown is (was) a regional company from Pennsylvania. Last year in Oct/Nov they were purchased by a company called Cemex (www.cemex.com). This is a company based in Mexico that "financial investors" believe will be restructuring to concentrate solely on Cement products and may severely decrease or stop the ancillary products of lime and sand Southdown does or did manufacture.

What does this mean? According to Home Depot - they are having more and more problems getting Southdown Sand. My feeling - get it while you can - as it may not be around in the near future. Conjecture solely - but certainly possible.

So - if a company like Home Depot is having problems getting a product - what do they do? They find another source. Home Depot has done that.

Caveat Reefer

The SKU for Southdown play sand is 578-819. This is a universal SKU for 2 different vendors of play sand. The other supplier is NOT Southdown and looks strikingly different. If you read nothing else - read this -

Do Not Order Southdown Playsand w/ this SKU or description and Expect to get Southdown.....The manufacturer will vary and needs to be physically checked by you or the HD guy.

To help things along if you call Home Depot or go there the product is found in one of two places. It is found by the lumber or in the Garden Center. The Garden Center manager is who does the ordering and that is "division" or "section" 28 (Garden).

Some Home Depots will consider doing transfers of this product. I made some calls and found that they will charge a customer $35 for a "stock transfer" regardless of 2 bags or 1 skid. The problem is getting them to make good on this or getting them to actually get it done. I have read several threads where getting HD to actually do the transfer was an exercise in futility. To my knowledge it has not been done successfully yet. This is probably due to the managers getting paid on turn and earn (low inventory) and the lack of profit from a bag of sand.

So that is what I have to report all...If you have any questions - ask away.......and to prove I know of what I speak....I offer up my very significant investment purchased today -

http://members.home.net/bsfreitag/fish/southdown.jpg

[fishpoo]

amazing, over 53 views and no replies. let me be the first to say
thanks for the info

[G7subs]

Hey...thanks for the heads up.I just recently bought 3 50# bags at HD in Rockaway NJ.They had 5 more bags.Manager said that was all he had and couldn't anticipated getting more.Glad I snuck in under the wire!

[Bear2327]

I agree with fishpoo... all of the views and no replies :( . Seems to be very common among the different boards...

Anyway... thanks for taking the time to research the SD situation :cool:

I went to my local HD and bought 150 lbs. to keep on hand :D .

Great info!

-Lyle

[Doug]

Hi GV,

Excellent info!

Thanks

Doug

[3_high_low]

thanks grumpy,
now i'm thinkin' i should pick some more up for future endevors:D

[cwa46]

I had a pallet transferred into Nashville by the local HD. I am there a lot and one of the sales reps did it for me. It took about an hour to get the Paperwork done and the local store made nothing on the sand. It cost me $100 plus delivery plus the std. price per bag.

[ZippyBoy]

I just bought three 50# bags of SD for my 135 reef at Home Depot in East Meadow, Long Island. They had 3 pallets of the stuff about 3 weeks ago. It is outside in the garden section.

Happy hunting

[Canadian]

FYI,

There have been SEVERAL instances in which people were able to have sand transferred between stores.

[slojmn]

Thanks for the info Grumpy. I live on the west coast and cannot get any in the Home Depot. Last year was able to go in on a pallet with a group of locals and got 5 bags. I used most of it in my 120g and refugium but have about 1.5 bags left. this will go into my nano and the rest into my two tanks. I wish I could stockpile about 8 bags of this stufff. Oh well, I feel lucky that I got it when I did :).

[Grumpy Vet]

I'm glad people got some good information out of this. That makes me happy. Some of this information will be very slightly redundant - but is a compilation of several boards' information - pls forgive my not wanting to type this 4 different ways.

It sounds as if the transferring is possible - but will require some real effort and some luck to find the right person to do it. I do subscribe to about 4 boards and have heard of 5 cases so far reported of getting sand transferred out of the Northeast - It has ranged in cost from no extra charges to $100 plus freight, plus cost of product. Nice parity there in policy Home Depot...sheesh...

Two cases reported of people ordering by SKU and getting the "non Southdown" play sand.....remember to have them check for Southdown style before transferring and ordering. I have also seen at least 20 people post they are S.O.L. Keep trying folks if you have the time and desire - looks like it is possible.

Southdown has been reportedly transferred from Northeast HD stores to Cincinnati, OH, Nashville, TN & Winston/Salem, NC. Anyone get it transferred from a HD farther west or south than these places?

It also seems, like I reported earlier, that the product is stocked only the Northeast (including New England). It is not stocked in every location by any stretch of the imagination. Several people did as I did and found that Southdown's SKU is not listed on the Home Depot website. I called and asked why. Apparently if it is not UPS"able" it does not go on the website.

During the conversation w/ Home Depot it turns out there are actually 5 manufacturers listed under this sku that make playsand for Home Depot NE region. The northeast region is defined as northern Virginia market over to Pennsylvania and into New England. If Southdown is at a store that is not in this area - it is a fluke.

The Home Depot policy according to the manager at customer service I talked to re: shipping Southdown between stores is "Get Bent". So - if you want it shipped to your local HD - polish up on your smooth talking, ask for a lady in the Garden Center and do your very best Barry White voice.......we got it together now baby.......

The manager suggested that if I really wanted Southdown - call them directly and pool an order. So I called Southdown. The number for Southdown Sales and Customer Service (located in Easton, PA) is 800-526-1753. The closest manufacturing plant to me is in Thomasville, PA (York, PA) and they do sell direct to the public in skid quantities and will even do a will call (pick-up).
They also have a plant in northwestern New Jersey:

1 Limecrest Rd
Lafayette, NJ 07848
(973) 383-2000

It was also suggested that LFS buy a few pallets and help their customers out. Southdown is trying very hard to send their sand to other markets - but as of yet - Home Depot being set up regionally - has "local vendors" and is not buying from them out of the NE region. Southdown confirmed that they only ship to HD stores above Northern Virginia. They don't even ship to HD stores in Virginia Beach or Richmond. The lady at Southdown was very nice and helpful. She said there are no plans as of now to discontinue the production of sand......who knows....

I have a call in to the sales guy at Easton (Dave Jackson) for a price quote (both pick/up and delivery). When I get this information - I will be happy to share it w/ everyone.

Toodles -

GV

[Jaten]

I don't mean to be dense here, but I really am confused......sku 578-819 IS or IS NOT the Southdown sand that we want in our reefs. I read recently in the Hattiesburg, MS reef club website that someone was going to Memphis to buy Southdown from the Home Depot. I live about 70 miles south of Memphis, but before I make a mistake purchasing sand, how can I be certain that I get the "right stuff." :confused: Thanks for all the information!

[Mako]

Make sure the bag you are buying looks like this:

http://www.rpi.edu/dept/union/aquarium/public_html/yardright.jpg

Of course there is another bag very similiar to this one that says Southdown....they are both the same thing. If I can find a picture of the Southdown bag I will post that also.

[wave_happy]

WOW!!

Lots of great information. You are the GURU of Southdown Sand!

[Jaten]

Chuck, Thanks for the clarification. So are the terms "100% Natural," "sterilized" and "carribean sand" the keywords to look for? I noted that sku578-819 appeard on Grumpy Vets receipt, but did I understand that that sku applies to other grades of sand as well.

[Grumpy Vet]

Guru of Southdown......

I kinda like it....I found my niche....Yippeeee. Funny - I don't even really use it that much. I use CC. When I have time - I like to try and help people on boards I frequent - especially when they have been helpful to me. I don't know much - but I do know how to surf the web and make phone calls.

The picture of Southdown sandbags looks like this (borrowed from "Guy" on .Org board):

http://home.eznet.net/~terry10/pics/southdown.jpg

I don't really know for sure if the stuff pictured in the thread above is Southdown or not.

What I do know - is that the stuff pictured in this post here is, as you can read clearly on the bags, Southdown.

Very plainly put - Home Depot SKU 578819 is a GENERIC SKU for playsand. In the northeast - getting that sku means the sand can be 1 of 5 vendors. One of which, is Southdown. Out of the northeast - getting that SKU almost assuredly means it is not Southdown (according to Southdown and Home Depot) unless special arrangements have been made.

The problem lies with what the other sands are made out of by the other manufacturers. Are they aragonite based? Do they have the same makeup in particulate size? Do they have harmful nuclear waste interspersed throughout?

Dunno.

I would hate to see someone put something harmful, or anti-helpful in their tanks. I would also hate for anyone to go through the expense of getting this sand to find out it was not what they thought it was.

GV

[3_high_low]

HD in Natick MA, Salem MA, both had it 3 weeks ago.
HD in W. Roxbury MA, South End Boston MA, Norwood MA all did not.
Add that to the data bank:D

[Jaten]

Grumpy Vet, Many thanks from me and anyone else who needed it v-e-r-y s-l-o-w a-n-d s-i-m-p-l-e. I'm not always obtuse.....just sometimes. Thanks again:D

[Mako]

Grumpy-
Same stuff, different bag....of this I am sure!

Jaten-
When you are talking to them make sure you use this to verify if it's what you want.

SouthDown Tropical Play Sand
SKU # 578-819
UPC # 0-210026-16865-5
Model # 420-100

[Grumpy Vet]

That's very good to know that it is the same stuff mako- Hopefully you didn't think I was calling you a liar - just was not sure.

When I do my dissertation for my PHD on types of play sand and the supply chain of big box retailers - I will include this bit of information.....

Who woulda thunk it would be this involved.....wow

[Mako]

Grumpy -

Nah!!! I don't think like that. Life's too short. :D

[TAC]

A few clarifications.

I had it transferred to Columbus, Georgia at no cost shipping cost.

The sand actually comes from a company in Florida that gets it from the Carribean. Southdown just repackages it. "Goby" has gotten the sand from the guy's in Florida.

Terry

[john f]

Can Goby tell us guys here in Florida how to get some?


John

[Grumpy Vet]

That is really interesting to note. Hopefully "Goby" could tell us some more information about who he got it from in FL. I know a lot of Floridians are looking for the stuff.

When I spoke to Southdown - they kept saying that they manufactured it. Perhaps the customer service person did not know the whole scoop or something else is out of whack.

I just would love to get to the bottom of this - get the straight story......ya know.....the unadulterated truth, the lowdown, the skinny on the enigma we call "Southdown".


This is just a guess - but knowing the chain distribution way of selling things in the U.S.

Comes from Carribean to Florida guy:
50% markup =$1.13

Florida guy to Southdown
50% markup =$1.7

Southdown to Home Depot
50% markup = $2.55

Home Depot to Reefer
50% markup = $3.84 a bag?....

Crazy.......

[mgk65]

I have these additional notes regarding the SD sand:


DO NOT GET Yardright Select Multipurpose Play Sand. That is not the correct sand.

All of the sand is manufactured by SouthDown Inc. and only available in Home Depot stores from Eastern VA/ Baltimore MD, Philadelphia, PA through New York on the eastern seaboard.

The SKU is SKU#578819, but this may not be the correct type of sand given above.

It has been sighted in the following Home Depot stores:

Baltimore, MD
Germantown MD
Rockville, MD
Annapolis, MD
Ellicott City, MD
most other Wash DC metro area
Fredricksburg, VA
Springfield, VA
Fairfax, VA outside the D.C. beltway, on Merrifield Rd
Sterling, PA
Newton Square in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Conshohocken, PA
Greenville, SC
Glasgow Home Depot, in Newark, DE
Newark, DE. In the People's Choice shopping center.

North Olmsted, OH
Cleveland, OH Area:
West Cleveland, OH
Macedonia, OH
Home Depot
6199 Wilson Mills Road
Highland Heights, Ohio

Patchogue, Long Island, NY on Sunrise Highway

Philipsburg NJ
Route 22 North (last exit in NJ going west on route 80) 1/2 mile up after exit on right
Burlington, NJ. On route 541 just off Interstate 295
Wallingford, CT
Waterford, CT



mgk

[TAC]

Look his E-mail up and ask him. I know he had a long post way back that told how to do it. I don't know if it is archived or not

[Grumpy Vet]

.........and the mystery continues.....

[Mako]

MGK65 -

What do you base this on DO NOT GET Yardright Select Multipurpose Play Sand. That is not the correct sand

While you are at it:All of the sand is manufactured by SouthDown Inc. and only available in Home Depot stores from Eastern VA/ Baltimore MD, Philadelphia, PA through New York on the eastern seaboard. Just how does one go about manufacturing sand?? Isn't that something left to good ol' mother nature?

I believe you will find that Southdown puts their product in more than one kind of sack. Grumpy, get on the phone and put this one to bed for us will ya?

[mgk65]

Mako

You will notice that I said do not get Yardright Multipurpose Play Sand. The Multipurpose is not CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) sand, it is a silca sand like Quickrete.

There are actually three bag types.

1) The Blue with red lettering:
- [b]Southdown Tropical Play Sand From the Carribean

2) Dark Blue with white or clear lettering:
- [b]Yardright Select Tropical Play Sand from the Carribean

3) Light Blue with white or clear lettering:
- [b]Yardright Select Tropical Play Sand from the Carribean

I do have pictures of all three of these, but don't have time to post them all again. Anyway, numbers 1 and 2 are shown above in this thread, and #3 looks just like #2, but light blue instead of dark blue.


Just how does one go about manufacturing sand?? Isn't that something left to good ol' mother nature?

Harmph.

mgk



mgk

[Grumpy Vet]

Looks like we have two tangs in the same tank....No way am I getting in the middle of this -

I do have additional information available. I followed the ever so loquacious TAC and did some digging....and I think we have some good information. Nice memory TAC.

What is listed below comes from goby on the ReefCentral boards over a year ago. When you see first person - it is him speaking - not Grumpy. I just cut and pasted a bunch of threads together so it made sense even out of context. Then I just looked up a few addresses....and you now have the information of the company that sells the sand to Southdown who sells it to HomeDepot who sells it to Northeastern Reefers.

_____________________________

This sand is shipped to southdown from Marcona Ocean Industries which is out of Ft. Pierce Florida. They sell to both Southdown, AND Carib-Sea. (they also sell to Martin Marrieta in jacksonville, among others). Marcona Ocean Industries, the company that mines the stuff, does so in the carribean, and has a special agreement with carib-sea. They have a sort of "noncompete" agreement that says that they will not sell sand to anyone doing reefs. Kinda like panasonic selling its 36" pc bulbs only to custom sealife. Same type deal. anyways, marcona sells to Southdown, Inc. and I am sure that they have told Southdown what the scoop is. (and Southdown probably told HD).

How do I know this? I spent ALOT of time researching it last year, and actually talked to the plant manager at Marcona. Nice guy, I talked to him for a while, and he eventually asked what it was for.,.. I said...."uh.... not for fishtanks???" and he said "right answer" and then proceded to tell me all this stuff. The one thing that he did warn about was to NEVER EVER mention that you would be using it for aquarium use. Glad I had been thru this already with panasonic trying to get cheap PCs.
Thread (http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=956&highlight=southdown)


I contacted Marcona, and the deal is that they usually only sell in bulk. What is bulk you may ask? 100tons. I have worked out a deal with the plant supervisor at marcona to get a truckload (pickup truck - about 1 ton) of oolithic sand (washed dried and sifted) for about $20.00 I have also worked it out to get a truckload from jacksonville of the non strained variety (full of shells and stuff).

All of this comes from a cay in the bahamas where Marcona has a 24/7 mining operation and fills a boat that has a 3000ton/hr conveyer! (big boat) anyways, they WILL NOT SELL IT TO YOU if you even mention the words: fish, aquarium, tank, reef, saltwater, etc. They WILL sell it to you if you tell them its for your shrubs in your front yard and that you have used it before lots of times and that you are sure that this what you want. The key here is that you have to make a trip to either Ft. Pierce or Jacksonville, FL Monday - Friday 7am-4pm. Thats it, no alternatives. I am thinking about doing it soon, but have to take time off work... i will try and post here if i do get it, just to fill everyone in.

Give them a call - tell them you want it for your bushes. They will sell it to you.. but you have to shovel it yourself.. (the smallest front end loader they have carries 5 yards )

________________

Thanks to goby for all that work a year ago! Here is how to get in touch w/ Marcona

Marcona Ocean Industries
20 Avenue M
Fort Pierce, FL 34952
561-464-1836

4018 Retford Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32225
904-646-3595

There you go Southern Reefers - have at it. Appreciation for my dilligence, hardwork & effort can be sent in the form of frags.

GV

[Mako]

Grumpy -

Good info. Best yet so far!! No Tangs here BTW. :D

MGK65 -

My bad on the missing the multpurpose in your text. Don't know about that one, just know the pic I posted is the same stuff. Could'nt help but pick on your use of the word manufactured. :rolleyes:

Peace

[Jaten]

A heartfelt thanks for sharing all the homework on the HD and SD. ...... now to get my hands on some of that sand.....hmmmm, thinking.....thinking.....thinking........

;)

[john f]

That's great info.
Now what we florida reefers need to do is get all get together for a big group buy. If we all call Marcona they will surely get wise to what's going on.

I now live in Gainesville, Fl so I am just 1.5 hours from Jax.
I could pick up a truckload of which I will need 1000 #, and sell the other 1000# to other florida reefers at no markup, just the cost of the sand (Any frags are always welcome though

If anyone likes this idea post here or email me and I will start a list.



John

[Aquaman]

Goby seems to have taken a break from posting. BUT as both of us are in the same reef club and we have talked about doing this many times but just havent had the time to take off from work and pick up a truck load of the stuff. Maybe soon!

[Shan]

Anyone in the Portland, Or area want to go in with me and try to get some?????:)

[newbyreef]

Ok,

It is not totally correct that you can't get it shipped to your local home depot.......We do not have it here in Minnesota/Wisconsin area either....and so I went in and talked to the Manager of home depot on LaCrosse Wi. He assured me they could get it if I wanted some, and as mush or as little as I liked.

So...I said ok, and what do you know, he called me two days later, and said we have southdown, and we are trucking some in. And I am paying $3.84 for a 50lb bag.

WHile the bags did not look like the first picture on this thread you posted...there were two different bags...one was like the second picture in the thread that was blue and red, and plastic...it ALSO comes in a paper bag that is blue and red and white...and it is the same exact stuff. ANd all I did was give him the SKU 578819

So it is available, comes in a few different types of bags..but it is all the same stuff.

HTH
C.

[Grumpy Vet]

Hey Newby.....

Thanks for the input - while we have no fatalists here on this board that are resigned to never getting the Southdown - we do have people that are having difficulties. Those are the folks I am trying to help in any way possible by giving as many facts, figures and ideas as possible.

I have (and continue to advise) begging, pleading, trading frags, giving your first born to, signing up for indentured servitude with, wife swapping and scraping algae for the guy at your local Home Depot to get you this sand.

They can do it. I've said this many times. The question is:

Are you persuasive enough to get them to do it? Are you talking to the right person?

If you live in FL - the point is moot - drive your pick-em-up truck to the manufacturer and get a bed full for $20.

Toodles -

GV

[Tcook]

Originally posted by Grumpy Vet


I don't really know for sure if the stuff pictured in the thread above is Southdown or not.

As Mako said it is the same. This is the bag scheme that I got through Macimage. It says Southdown on the back of the bag. That bag also looks like it had one of Joyce's yellow tang stickers on it that was removed:)

[purpletanglvr]

southdown can be purchased online at www.reefland.com

it is $11.00 for a 40# bag. check it out. They also offer live sand at a reasonable rate.

[

[veng68]

So anyone want to start a company to disribute the sand to the rest of Canada & the US :D That's 5000 40 pound bags in a small bulk order (100 tons) :cool:

Cheers,
Veng68

[Shan]

So, by definition, just getting non-silica sand is the trick?

I do believe that all 'playsand' has to be FDA approved to be sillica free since it can cause long term lung problems and cancer...

Any comments?

Mike & Shanda

:blown:

[mikemac37]

^^^^

[Aquamans Reef]

Wow thanks for the detailed explanation grumpy. Joe

[Grumpy Vet]

My past is coming back to haunt me.....you are ever so welcome....

Thanks for dredging up the information.......when I do it - it looks spammy & self serving.....

I'm thrilled it helped you........any questions.....ask away...I spent alot of time researching this stuff.....

GV

[Hutchinson]

Southdown cheap...

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1255759499&r=0&t=0&showTutorial=0&ed=996092173&indexURL=0&rd=1

[carrieb420]

I hope i don't sound retarded asking this but I'm new at this and not really sure about some stuff. So if I do find south down sand and put it in my tank, does that mean that I'll have to find creatures to buy to put in the sand or is that going to be in the southdown sand?

[newbyreef]

Carrie,

Hi, and dont hesitate to ask any question, there's no such thing as a dumb question, especially if you are just starting out.

First, Southdown sand is a calcium based sand, not silica based. It is great for reef tanks as it provides natural buffering, is the right size grain for lots of bacteria to grow on, and looks great also. And the big plus..if you find it locally, it is running $3.84 a 50 pound bag. That is much cheaper than you'll find live sand or dry sand anywhere else on the market.

Now to more directly answer your question..no, Southdown sand comes dry and for lack of a better term "Dead". You must add it to your tank, fill your tank with water, add your live rock, then maybe another 5 or 10 pound of live sand to your dead sand to help it become "live" or you can wait longer and not seed it with live sand, and just let your live rock that you put in slowly seed the sand too.

Or another option is to buy what some companies call "live sand activator" it is full of the bacteria and little amphipods and copepods that live and work in the sand..this is also a good way to seed your dead sand and help it become live sand.

I hope this info helps you out a little...and feel free to keep asking questions.

C.

[Tom D]

I was in southern New Hampshire today on business and checked a few of the Home Depots and here is what I found. The home depot in Nashua ( the one near the Pheasant Lane Mall) does not have the Southdown, it just has the quickrete). However I did find it at the Salem Home depot for $3.99/50lb bag. They had two pallets of the stuff so if you go soon you will most likely find it.

Good Luck,

Tom

[Mako]

Many thanks to JohnF for taking the time to go and visit Marcona in Jacksonville here recently. His trip was a success and I am now the proud owner of some SD sand. Or should we really call it MOI sand. :D Will work nicely in the 55 refugium I am setting up.

Thanks also to you G. Vet for digging up those old threads with the info on Marcona. There is hope in the South yet for cheap aragonite based sand.

[Sparky]

Thanks and Good work on the research guys!

I got my sand from reefland.com. It looks just like the pic Mako201 posted. I paid $11.00 a bag. It cost me $15.00 shipping per bag. I know I payed more but it was a hell of a lot cheaper than the LFS ripoff. I only needed three bags so I went for it. I have to say Steve at reefland.com is excellent to work with. The best customer service. You may find as good but you wont find better.

I tried talking to a guy at my local (Springfield, MO) Home Depot. They didnt have it but he was helpful enough to call the other Home Depots in Columbia, MO and Joplin, MO. No joy anywhere in Missouri. I wish I had read this thread back then.

I think its all in who you talk to. Some managers are helpful and some are morons. Im only 33 but some of the people at these big box stores are really ignorant. Some of them dont know a nail from a screw. I know its really stereotyping but I always look for someone older. They usually might know what your talking about or have the work ethic to try to find out.

It never hurt either to go straight to the top to find out something. If I was trying today I'd go in on a week day in the middle of the day and find the Head Manager. Find out who he is and ask him for help. If you cant get him to help I would try the guy behind the contractor sales desk. Those guys usually have a little on the ball and are usually helpful. Just dont go up to them when they have a big line of people, they just wont take the time, they dont have it. Go when they arent busy. Thats when they will be the most helpful.

[JH4]

Just to open the discussion further -- how should the sand be stored and how long will it last before initial use?? I bought 6 bags last November and have it stored in my basement (dark & cool) on top of a large (6 gal) milk crate.

I'm assuming the normal standards of dark, cool, dry, and as airtight (oxygen free) as possible. Is there anything that would spoil the sand over time? I guess it would still be good 10-20 years later if it didn't get contaminated?? Any thoughts on preparation before use after long long term storage?

[dredawg]

^up

I'll be storing mine for about a year....should be fine for almost an indefinate amount of time as long as its sheltered from the elements...just my thoughts

dredawg

[mgk65]

I would say that the sand would last for 1000k millennia or so... give or take 50%.... :p :p :D

It is just sand....:D

mgk

[morgan33]

Just wanted to say "THANKS" for the info about Southdown sand. Really appreciate the update. How much should be used if a person also uses CC? Can the two substrates be used together? I have a 45 gal. reef with 31/2" CC, but would like to add.
Thanks, again.

J:)

[mgk65]

Use this link (from the search above) and do a search in Dr. Ron's forum for replacing CC with sand. There is tons of info.

http://www.reefcentral.net/vbulletin/search.php?s=


mgk

[Snakebyt]

I got lucky and a fellow reefer in my area had some brought to him. He had an exrea bag and i snagged it up for my 29G. I work for a local pet store, and im thinking of asking my boss to looking into ordering a pallet of the stuff, that would keep the local reefers happy, and it is great for reptiles also, so that might be a bonus into getting him to order it.

[absolutc]

3.99 a bag blows away anything that I have in my tank!! I want some, NEED SOME.. and to no avail have tried EVERY HD store in the RICHMOND, Virginia area. Please, if you see any or have a few bags to spare.. please please please tell me :) Thanks.

[Ddddrgnfly]

Hey Grumpy,
Was wodering about the pic of the bag of SD.I couldnt view the pic.Only saw the infamous red X

Great thread,

Thanx,
Roger

[dendronepthya]

This is the bag that I have. I picked these up in a Pennsylvania Home Depot fairly recently(June 2002).

[joefish]

WOW:eek2: :eek1: :eek2:
I just bought three bags,I didn't buy all 6 I need.Didn't want to lug all that weight at once.I'll go back and buy another 6.:D
Thanks for the heads up......:wavehand:

[griss]

Since we have so many question about Southdown in this forum, I thought I would copy this thread here and post it at the top. Hope this help those of you looking for SD.

Griss

[SeanT]

Griss, always with the hook up. :D

[griss]

Originally posted by SeanT
Griss, always with the hook up. :D
You should have seen how long it took me to find this thread.

Griss

[Im Lon 2]

about 3 days!!! I know the weekend doesn't count. Only when you are at work. :D

Thanks for your help.

[Hopeful Reefer]

Originally posted by mgk65
It has been sighted in the following Home Depot stores:

Baltimore, MD
Germantown MD
Rockville, MD
Annapolis, MD
Ellicott City, MD
most other Wash DC metro area
Fredricksburg, VA
Springfield, VA
Fairfax, VA outside the D.C. beltway, on Merrifield Rd
Sterling, PA
Newton Square in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Conshohocken, PA
Greenville, SC
Glasgow Home Depot, in Newark, DE
Newark, DE.

Add Hagerstown, MD to this list. I was there a few weeks ago and bought 250 lbs. At that time they had 1.5 PALLETS of the stuff left in their garden center. I plan on getting more for my refugium today. I'll let you know how much is left latter. Also, the guy I spoke to originally from the garden department in Hagerstown is first and foremost a reefer also. He said he "tries to make sure they have AT LEAST 2 skids on hand year-round." Direct quote from a fellow reefer, so I'm pretty sure it is valid.

Just my 0.02

[Mak71]

Can someone show me how the bag of Southdown sand looks like?? Don't wanna get the wrong one.. Can anyone up the pic here?? :D and how much is per bag?

Kevin

[Mak71]

I know the southdown sand is good for reef tank.. What about just the fish?? Can I just the southdown sand for just the fish?
Thanx
Kevin

[griss]

Originally posted by Mak71
I know the southdown sand is good for reef tank.. What about just the fish?? Can I just the southdown sand for just the fish?
Thanx
Kevin
Kevin, SD is just as good for a fish only tank. I will try to find the pic and post it here.

Griss

[argi]

Not sure if this will help anyone in their search for SD, but when I lived in Rochester NY (about 3 years ago) I bought SD at Toys R' Us. Not sure if they still carry it though. I still remember dumping it into my sons sand box thinking "man this looks just like the stuff I use in my tank".

argi

[griss]

Here's a pic http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?s=&postid=705274

Griss

[Mak71]

Does anyone know where I can get the southdown sand in nyc?? I don't think Brooklyn, queens HD have any of them.. thanx
What about L.I??

Kevin

[reef4u]

Hi, as a comparison ,i live in the UK just paid £45 for a bag of carribsea aragamax which is about $70,wish i could pay $4 a bag.

[Im Lon 2]

Does anyone know where I can get the southdown sand in nyc?? I don't think Brooklyn, queens HD have any of them.. thanx

Kevin,

These stores are a little bit of a drive for you, but I've heard they do carry SD at these stores


2000 Hempstead Tpke. East Meadow, NY11554 (516) 542 9200

600 Hempstead Tpke. Elmont, NY 11003 (516) 488 8500

160 B East Sunrise Hwy., Freeport, NY 11520 (516) 546 6280

86 Jericho Tpke. Jericho, NY 11753 (516) 997 9595

101 Green Acres Rd. Valley Stream, NY (516) 823 0700

172 Fulton Ave. Hempstead, NY 11550 (516) 565 3700

Hope this helps.

[SW Beginner]

Shame that HD does not have the bagging plant in Ft. Pierce and sell it locally in Florida.

[rochonj]

A friend here in CANADA purchased a product call CALCITE. it is exactly the same as SOUTHDOWN in size and color. He has done the vinegar test and the stuff has been in his tank for 6 months.
The stuff was like $5 a 50lb bag. He bought it from BUILDERS WAREHOUSE. and I think it is available at RONA.

[MFish]

I have a question.

I found a bag of SouthDown in my Grandmother's back yard. She said I could have it. But, its been outside for like..hmm...a few years maybe.. the bag is unopened from what I can see but it was wet inside..think its any good?

[SW Beginner]

I wouldn't trust it. Would spend the $5 - $20 for a new bag (depending upon what type of sand you buy). The peace of mind makes the cost worthwhile.

[griss]

I agree, it the sand got wet inside the bag you never know what lawn chemicals or bacteria could have gotten inside the bag.

Griss

[sage]

I know this is a stupid question after everything I read but I guess I'm narotic.....I bought 4 bags of the right stuff(southdown carribian play sand, blue w/ red type). But on the bag it say's:

"not recomended for traction and aquarium use".

Is this just because of the business dealings?? Or did I get the wrong stuff?

[SW Beginner]

Primarily because of the business dealings. It should be fine for use in your aquarium.

[griss]

Sage,

You got the right sand. That is just legal mumbo jumbo because of legal dealings and to keep SD from being liable for any problems the sand might cause in the aquarium.

Griss-

[DrMilhouse]

Who ever thought that people would go so insane over some sand at a home improvement store???

I actually work P/T at a home depot in the rocky mountain area. To help out the local reef club, I worked to get two pallets of it here in CO. It took some work... actually, it took a lot of work... But it happened.

The store I dealt with was in Mechanicsburg, PA (717)795-9602

It was not the easiest deal I've ever done...

Anyway, after much work and payment via money order (this place will not accept a credit card over the phone), they did send two pallets. I paid for shipping and paid full retail for the sand.

Total of two pallets shipped from Home Depot in mechanicsburg to me at my door here in the Denver metro area was $1014.xx

This was NOT a store transfer, the entire transaction was placed through the other store. As a FAVOR to me the home depot here RECEIVED the sand pallets and held it until I could have a local delivery company drop it off with a lift at my house. (there was no way in hell I was moving 6000 pounds of sand manually).

It made for a pretty good deal after it was all said and done, but I did end up getting stuck with some of it since all those that were interested have not picked up what they said they wanted...

It's okay though, I needed some anyway :)

BTW: For UPCs, there are two different UPCs that are packaged like the picture someone else posted above. One bag is sealed at the top by melting the plastic together, the other bag is stitched at the top with thread. The stuff I got was the melted stuff, it seems "moist" whereas the other stuff seemed completely dry. not sure what that matters...

[TillThen]

:eek: :mad:

It's day 10 of wrangling with various HomeDepots, With the sku number I was finally able to find some bags 30 minutes away! Before Leaving I called, and an employee said they don't have it, and never have carried it! Hmmmm! But a neighboring home depot said they actually had some in the store. I am weary from arguing with H.D. employees so I waited a awhile and called back.

I got another employee who with the sku # said we have it! So I asked it he could verify it visually since I was coming from a little distance away. He did this and said "We have got it!"

I get there and wouldn't you know that there is No Tropical sand! I could feel my blood pressure creeping up a lil, as I went to the service desk. I told the them my problem, and the conversation I just had via phone.

THe man at the counter wanted to know the employee name I spoke with. I told him I didn't know. He wanted to know the SKu #. And dumb me didn't bring it since I'd had the confirmation by the employee on the phone.

I begin to insist that they carry this sand. Now there are three employees around the counter staring at me as if I'm a martian saying "We don't carry that" "We don't sell tropical sand" ............

The blood pressure continued to rise, (lets just say I'm mad now, lol) At this point I said, "I'm sorry but YOU DO CARRY THIS! MOST OF YOU EMPLOYEES JUST DON"T HAVE A CLUE! Give me 10 minutes I will find the local library, with a internet connection, I will come back with a Sku# and TELL YOU WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR STORE! And then I'll tell you how much you charge for it!! No wait I'll tell you that now. You charge 4.81 per 50lb bag!

The main guy that I was talking to didn't like this, at all, and responded. That HE was the Store Manager..., and that HE has NEVER, NEVER had the stuff in his store and does not deal any south down stuff,, NEVER!

I look to one of the ladies for directions to the local library. Just as she's finished giving the directions, THe store manger said hold - up!!

Did you say South Down inc? Yes we do sell a a a UUHHhh tropical sand by them, and we have a active sku for it. And it is 4.81 per bag. Another one of the assitant managers couldn't beleive his ears at this point and he looked at the screen. The assistant manager said "pull up the last time this was sold in our store." He was hoping that it was something sold in years past or maybe just one bag.

After a few computer clicks there was the answer.... "We sold over 100 bags of this just two weeks ago".

I went from GOAT to KING in about a minute!! And the crow eating began! lolll For all the frustration I have had in tracking this stuff down. THis moment made it worth it all.

ANyway, the manager was now more than apologetic, and was more than willing to work with me. It turned out they didn't have any in the store. But a neighboring store had 197 bags and he was going to do a transfer, and order some more for his store.

He apologized that them employee said that they had some. He said the employee probably went to the aisle and saw "play sand" and didn't take note of brand.

THanks guys for all of you posts in the past on South Down
I would have never have gotten this far with out Ya!

I gave this tip to my LFS, and he said that for giving him the SKU# he was going to make it more than worth my while once I start needing Fish and rock!

[TillThen]

:o :p :smokin:

I posted episode one about 8 weeks ago. Needless to say I was feel farely triumphant in my war on Home Depot in the effort to acquire some of this precious commodity.
I thought that It was all in the bag. UNTIL.....

Some one dropped the ball... and then some one dropped the ball again,.... and then again...and then again! And that is absolutely no exaggeration!

I went to the point of being on a threeway call with the guy in shipping from the the store that they were transferring it from, as he was putting it on the truck.

After that point in the trip all the bag mysteriously would dissappear.

Every two or three day I was promised that it would be in in three days, and so on. This for 6 weeks!!!

They kept mistaking me for this other guy. I finally got the impression that as soon as the sand came into the store. The people in shipping immediatedly called him (He has to have some deal in place).

Here's what I did. I was given shipping information, like when the truck would come in, from the store that they were transfering it from. I call that afternoon, The store said that they got the truck and the sand was on it but it was the wrong sand so the put it back on the truck and shipped it back. (YEAH RIGHT, I bet )

In the process I found out from another Home Depot, that as soon as they get it, they scan it and it's in the system.

So here's what I did I called back, and the regular cashier to see if they had the SKU# in stock. SHe pulled it up and said yes! They just got some the day before and they got it was the amount that I had ordered! I said are you sure, and she reiterated that if it was in the system it means they had to scan the actuall bag and they wouldn't scan a bag they were sending back!

I went to a homedepot in a neighboring town, and found ANOTHER sympathatic managers, I related my saga from beggining to end and implored her assistance, if she could at all help.

She got on thephone to the store that was doing the transfers. She put in a order, when she did the person over there said, That's odd we've been shipping orders out that same size all month. She related a little of my struggles and had him take every precaution.

From this I gathered that the problem wasn't on his end he was shipping the right sand to the Ho De. They were getting it and purposefully trying to keep it from me, or keep it exclusiviely for this other guy.

Needless to say I got the sand from the neighboring homdepot in 4 days, and I put it in my Tank yesterday. Twas a day for exultation, and rejoicing!!

BTW-- The funniest reason the renegade ho De. gave me, was "this is a seasonal item so even tho they may have it they can't transfer it because it's seasonal"

[Dipal]

Just curious as to if the sand needs to be washed before puting it into the tank. I am converting a 90 gal from a FOWLR to a Reef and removed the Crushed coral and will replace it with the downsouth sand that I found at the H.D. in saugus MA. If the sand needs to be washed, how do you do it?

[griss]

Originally posted by Dipal
Just curious as to if the sand needs to be washed before puting it into the tank. I am converting a 90 gal from a FOWLR to a Reef and removed the Crushed coral and will replace it with the downsouth sand that I found at the H.D. in saugus MA. If the sand needs to be washed, how do you do it?
Dipal,

You do NOT want to wash Southdown. Washing it will remove the small particles that are necessary for a DSB to functions properly.

Grioss

[mikeande]

Anyone seen or heard of any SD avalible here in Canada ?:confused:
ande

[the_shindogg]

Bought 4 bags of SD ~4.50 bag in Edison NJ Home Depot on Rt. 1 yesterday. They had a full pallet.

-dogg

[Alienjr]

After reading the posts I am very interested. However no mention of a SD sand spotting in So. Cali, am I just out of luck or is there any hope for us Left Coast Reefers.:confused:

Alienjr

[griss]

Originally posted by Alienjr
After reading the posts I am very interested. However no mention of a SD sand spotting in So. Cali, am I just out of luck or is there any hope for us Left Coast Reefers.:confused:

Alienjr
Alien,

The only times I have ever heard of SD west of the Mississippi is when someone got their local HD to ship it or they went out east and brought some back with them.

Griss

[ASaj]

My wife works at a garden center here in Ohio. She thinks they may be able to order the Southdown play sand, but she needs to know the manufacturer's name and address. Does anybody have this information? Is Southdown still the manufacturer, or is that "Cemex" place the manufacturer now? Just trying to take Home Depot out of the loop.

If anyone has this info, please let me know. My wife said she will check on it tomorrow, and I can post an update to let you know what I found.

Thanks,
Andy

[ASaj]

I think I found the number for Southdown earlier in this post. I called it and got a message saying to call back during business hours, and it was Southdown. I will have my wife check into it tomorrow and I will post back with the results. Hopefully they can order some for those of us in or around Columbus, OH.

Thanks.

[colemanitis]

You might already be aware of this, but SouthDown and YardRight are the same thing. See picture below.<br><br><img src="http://www.colemanitis.com/reefcentral/southdown.gif">

[BoomerD]

After a bit of searching, I have made contact with a fellow in San Ramon Ca. who brings in Southdown sand. $15.00 per bag, you pick it up. I'll post his info in the classifieds section to keep out of trouble with the moderators. ;-)

[austinc]

I think this might be of interest to all of you . I think southdown get their sand from a company from souther Florida , I bought some sand a month ago from my local fish store it was called caribean aragonite sand and on the bag was address and phone number to this company.I never called them but my friend whent down their some time ago and the place was very large,tons of trucks from all over country. If anyone is interested let me know i will go and get the number as soon as i can?

[XDrewX]

Never mind I went to HD today and answered my own question.

The HD near my house has a pallette and a half available.

It is $ 4.99 a bag, I guess it is more because they now stock Fantasy Land Play Sand, which is not Carib. and is not white, but I beleive has the same sku #.

I grabbed some for my African Cichlid tank I am about to start.

I may go back and get a whole pallette for the day I start my 180 reef.

Anyways, this has been a very informative thread, thanks to all who provided info.

Happy Holidays

[jbolin]

After reading every post of this thread I just had to comment. :)
I totally agree with everything written or said about this sand, but being fairly new to salt water (meaning everything has changed since I had my last salt tank) and being an old pro at rare freshwater fish, I have never seen so much attention paid to one particular NON LIVESTOCK ITEM. Heck, I have barely seen this attention paid to very rare livestock costing thousands of dollars. Anyway, I am in Columbus Ohio and have had the same experiences trying to find this stuff. For those of you in and around Columbus, a friend of mine (also a member here) located several HD in Cleveland and the surrounding areas that have an abundance of SouthDown. There is also a store in Mansfield that has 3 pallets of SouthDown, but please don't go buy ALL of it because I haven't gotten mine yet either :)
Anyway, just wanted to give you some heads up. And good hunting!
Jason

[jbolin]

An update:
I bought 30 bags of Southdown at the Mansfield Home Depot yesterday. The employees were very helpful after about 15minutes of debating that they actually had the stuff or not :)
Anyway, they have about 5 full skids left, which is over 300 bags, so any of you guys/gals in Columubus, or Cleveland should be able to get what you need.
J.

[mixalis]

Have there been any Southdown sightings in Missouri that anyone here is aware of?

[Drowning_Fish]

Ok, here is a new one. I live in NYC and wanted to get 200#'s of this stuff, soI called the HD's in the surrounding area. They gave me the SKU#, UPC# and MODEL#'s that are listed on this thread. I too asked them to visualy confirm whether it was SD or not. They told me it was. So I flew to the HD.

When I get there, I inspect the bags, and what to my wondering eyes do I see? I bag that has LIME CREST written on it!!!! However the bag looks identical to the SD bag except that is says Lime Crest on it. Whats the deal?? Anyone know??

[griss]

Originally posted by Drowning_Fish
Ok, here is a new one. I live in NYC and wanted to get 200#'s of this stuff, soI called the HD's in the surrounding area. They gave me the SKU#, UPC# and MODEL#'s that are listed on this thread. I too asked them to visualy confirm whether it was SD or not. They told me it was. So I flew to the HD.

When I get there, I inspect the bags, and what to my wondering eyes do I see? I bag that has LIME CREST written on it!!!! However the bag looks identical to the SD bag except that is says Lime Crest on it. Whats the deal?? Anyone know??
Interesting. Here is something you can do to see if this is aragonite sand. Buy a bag, take some sand and place it in a bowl or cup. Then pour vinegar into the bowl or cup. If the sand bubbles and slowly dissolves, it is aragonite. If this is the case, please take a pic of the new bags and post here.

Griss

[appstateguy]

i got my bag from winston salem, nc.

[griss]

appstateguy,

[welcome]

Griss

[dwall174]

I finaly got 200lbs of SD after visiting my father in OH. over the Holidays. I was not able to find any here in southeast MI! I had read here that someone found some in Mansfield OH. and that was only about 45 minutes from him. I did not notice until I had go back to MI. that "INSIDE" two of the bags there is some light green mold? the mold is on the plastic not the sand & the bags are not broke or wet? Has this happened to anyone else? And do you think it is safe to use?

[Chris Rollison]

I've now got several bags of Southdown that I intend to use in my 125. Today I used 2 bags to start up my 30 gal DSB refugium. I've read several posts that say not to pre-wash Southdown but this stuff is powder fine!!! The clouding in the refugium has persisted for hours, how long will this take to clear? Any tricks to accelerating it? I'm nervous about the main tank as tomorrow I'll add the live rock but adding the sand after the rock as most recommend makes me nervous. Won't the fine particules settle onto the live rock? What affect does this have on the rock organisms? With all the talk about Southdown, there must be hundreds who've gone down this path before me.....what steps do I need to take to successfully install Southdown in my main tank??? Thanks for your help....

Chris

[striker3636]

Has anyone located this stuff in Northern New York, preferably around Buffalo?

[bori]

Chris RollisonWon't the fine particules settle onto the live rock? What affect does this have on the rock organisms? With all the talk about Southdown, there must be hundreds who've gone down this path before me.....
Hi Chris, Do a search on "sand storms" for more info. My "sand storm" took about 3 weeks to clear as I was using the "shrimp bag" method to cycle the tank. With Live rock it should clear much faster as the bacteria coats the sand grains, they will settle. HTH --Rob--

[Avonlea,PA]

I was able to find the Sothdown sand at my local Home Depot (Mechanicsburg, PA) just a mile away from where I live. I bought 6 bags @ $4.99/bag.
You can't imagine how excited I was to actually find it. It was outside and covered with a few inches of snow...but I found it. :)

Hopefully it will be enough to create a good DSB on my 120RR (48x24x24) with some extra to spare for future use.

[dwall174]

Originally posted by dwall174
I finaly got 200lbs of SD "INSIDE" two of the bags there is some light green mold? the mold is on the plastic not the sand & the bags are not broke or wet? I am planing to replace my CC with the SD I just want to make sure that it's ok to use. Have you heard of this befor? Do you think that it is safe to use?

[griss]

Originally posted by dwall174
I am planing to replace my CC with the SD I just want to make sure that it's ok to use. Have you heard of this befor? Do you think that it is safe to use?
Dwall,

Personally, I would hesitate to use it. You never know where the sand was stored before you received it and with mold that mean moisture got inside the bag at some point. Who knows, if this stuff was in the garden area of HD and water got inside, what else did....fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, etc.

Griss

[Grumpy Vet]

While I hate to have you waste any money....

I would be wary as well......unless you had some way to sterilize and/or disinfect the sand - I'd consider finding some other bags.....

[dwall174]

Thanks for your replies, that was my first thought also to just get some more! I had hoped that that had happened to someone else and they didn't have any problems with it. Just a reminder for others CHECK BAGS CLOSLY! Well it looks like I have some fancy sand for "traction" here in MI.

[Mako]

I would not worry about a little mold on the inside of the bag. If it was sealed and not leaking then the source of the moisture was probably condensation from the sand. Mold spores are everywhere, just takes a little moisture to get em going. Some spores probably made their way into the bag when it was packaged.

We pick up the sand in bulk down here in Fl from AES and I have seen mold form on the sand from the humidity down here when it's covered with a tarp in the back yard. Never been a problem when used later on in a system.

fwiw

[striker3636]

You can add Hamburg, NY to the list...(Just outside of Buffalo)... Just picked up 10 bags today, they have two full skids and one half skid left.

[DrMilhouse]

I agree that the mold is nothing to worry about. Mold is just another organic thing for the tank to break down. If you have an established tank already it may start a cycle, but if this is just starting the tank it's nothing to worry about at all.

[GulliverBarb]

Is there any Southdown in Michigan??? What is the alternative if we can't get it??? HELP! I don't want to quit before I get started.:confused: I've already ordered my tank.

[dwall174]

Wish I could help you! I will be going down to Ohio soon to visit my farther and will bring some back. Use the search forums tab at the top of this page and do a search for: Southdown Michigan I'm not sure if theres anyone near you up there? but I did see a post from someone in Greenbay WI. that said that they had some there. Hope this helps?

[bubbletip]

Back in May when I went on my southdown hunt, I got on the phone to different HD's and found some in the Saugas, Mass. store. My HD had 200lbs sent down here to Oklahoma for me. It was treated as a special order and ended up costing me about 40cents a lb. - Still a savings though not the famous 50lbs for 5 bucks! The other thing of interest I found out is the Southdown sales rep I talked to in Penn. told me that they were working on a national contract with Ace Hardware and they were hoping to have it available nationwide towards the end of 2002. He also told me I could direct order 7,000 lbs or more. I haven't checked with Ace or back with Southdown, but it might be worth a phone call if you have a local Ace Hardware.

[RGC]

I checked the local HD ( Amsterdam NY ) today and they have about 1/2 a pallet of SouthDown sand . The red and blue bags .


RGC

[minh_han]

Let me see if I have this all down. So basically, Southdown is the name of a company that exports sand from the Carribean. This "Southdown" has been shown (by whom and how?) to have excellent qualities for the denitrification process. And it's about $3.50 a bag (how many pounds is that and how much would I need for my presently nonexistent 90 G aquarium?). I live in Manchester, CT, so there is a chance I might be able to get some.

What are the alternatives to Southdown? What is CC? The questions seem to go on and on in this hobby, huh?

Minh

[minh_han]

Ok, so with reading a bit more, I now know that CC is crushed coral. (Newbie here y'all) If I am starting a tank, what order do I put everything in? SD, then water, then salt bag, and then LR? Or some other order? By the way, I'm still researching, but is there any way to "make" your own salt solution? Or is buying the pre-packaged salt the best idea?

[dwall174]

:D Welcome to Reef Central: Check out the post "abbreviations, acronyms, and other shorthand, and click on the, "addreviations list" link. That should answer some of your questions about the shorthand used here. Also check the top of Reef Central's Home page and you will find a "Calculator" tab with this you can figure out how much sand you will need, and other usefull information. Use the "search" tab and check for DSB (Deep Sand Bed) & SD (SouthDown) sand.

[dwall174]

:rolleyes: The order that I used was: I took the sand stright from the bag (not washed) and layed a thin layer (1/2") just to coat the bottom of the tank, then I added 4 large flat pieces of base rock on top of the sand to act as footings. Then added the rest of the sand around the base rock. I then carefully added pemixed SW (Salt Water) slowly over the top of the base rock untill tank was about 3/4 full I added a small power head just for water circulation and let it run like that for a day. On the second day I added 5 lbs. of LS (Live Sand) from my LFS (Local Fish Store) then I let it run like that for two more days. On the fifth day I added my LR (Live Rock) and topped off the water. By doing it this way I minimized the "Sandstorm" that everyone has talked about. I hope this helps. Just remember that the only dumb question is the one that you didn't ask

[ijneb]

I have a quick question, from what i read (which wasnt 5 pages of posts) SD isnt available south of NC or something like that. I live in FL, so what should i use instead?
Thanks
Ben

[artie]

hi anyone here frm new york im in queens is there a home depot here selling southdown let me know

[cyberkat]

I used SD on my newly created 75g reef.

http://public.fotki.com/cyberkatis/the_75g_reef/rimg21.html

This pic is right after I put water in the tank. 2 days later it was fairly clear, 4 days it was totally clear. Live rock helped. Also used a charcoal filter for the first day (put cotton balls in).

Please check the rest of the site for other pics. My HD in East Hanover still has some left, but not much.

Anyway, good luck all.

Chris.

[Captain]

To add sand to new or existing tank without all the cloud try this.


http://www.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=146536

[antfarm2000]

I just picked up some southdown from the Home Depot in Queens (Long Island City). They had about 30 bags of it. It was $4.99, so I picked up 3 bags for my 55-Gallon. I'm sure I'll have some left over, but for that price, who cares?

[bori]

Just picked up 3 more bags of SD at the HD in the new Gateway shopping Center today. Exit 15 (erskine Ave sp?) on the Belt Pkwy. They have 2 FULL skids. price has gone up though to $4.99/50# bag. Still a bargain.

[Nitelife]

i'm in the northern part of michigan,and was going to the nearest HD to get sum of the sand.Anyone in Mi. still able to buy this stuff in our state?

[Nitelife]

i'm in the northern part of michigan,and was going to the nearest HD to get sum of the sand.Anyone in Mi. still able to buy this stuff in our state?

[Nightraven]

I have gotten a Manager at a HD in Louisville, Kentucky to order it for me.

[Saliki]

Anyone in Tampa Bay area have a clue where to get some locally?

[nion]

How about central Indiana?

[micahmc]

Nightraven,

I see you have some on order in Louisville, I also live in Louisville. Not to jump on your wagon or anything, but how much did you have to order? Was it only a few bags or did you have to order the whole skid? If it were the skid or a large shipment and you dont need it all, I would like to buy some of it. I dont currently need any, however I have a 180g system planned in the next year or so and this would be great opportunity to snag some. :bounce1:

thanks Micah Mc

[checkvalve101]

Just curious are you the same Grumpy Vet that I see at Zcar.com??

[trig]

Anyone seen SD in minnsota ? Iv seen some threads about rochester from 1/2 years ago? are they still doing it ?
I live in mankato

[SW Beginner]

Saliki,

None is available locally in the bay area. However, it is shipped out of Ft. Pierce. If you go back a few pages in this thread you should be able to find the information. Goes for $20 a ton, I believe, and you have to pick it up.

[Casino]

I have a 29g. Its still cycling, and Id like it to be a reef in the future. I have LR and DR. I have done the mistake of putting CC. I have been told in other forums that its ok, all I need to do is seed it with live sand. Is this true? Would it be ok to add the carib sea arag-alive or natures ocean bio activ live aragonite to seed it? In seeding do you mean place it on top or place it on the bottom? Now with this magical SD, If I was able to get some, should i mix it with the CC and Carib sea or natures ocean or not, or remove everything and go just with the SD and CC, or some other way? Please help me out here, Im really confused.

Thanks in advance.

P.S.
Which do you prefer in a power head?
Aqua clear or the maxi jet

Which do you prefer in a skimmer?
Aquac Remora or the bak pak?

[McSierra]

Anyone on Central NJ know what HD's have this... Also, the Pics that were linked at the start of this to show the bags are NO good...

I will be going to HD Friday and wanted to pick up a few bags but would need to have a positive ID on them.. I will print this out and take it with me but a Pic would be NICE..!

Thanks guys...

Andre S.

[McSierra]

Originally posted by the_shindogg
Bought 4 bags of SD ~4.50 bag in Edison NJ Home Depot on Rt. 1 yesterday. They had a full pallet.

-dogg

Should have read this one..

and looked at This (http://reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=705274)

[20galSW]

How about Sakrete "Premium Grade Play Sand" This is what my Home Depot had and it's already in my tank, so I hope it's acceptable. Very fine grain, and their web site lists nothing about it containing silicates. This sand is not aragonite...I did the vinegar test, and it didnt fizz.

The following two links contain information right from the manufactuer about this sand. The first link is for silicate sand, and the second link is for the play sand(that I bought). I wanted to show the differences in precautionary warnings.

http://www.oceandrymix.com/products/images/SilicaSandps.pdf

http://www.oceandrymix.com/products/images/SakretePackagedSandPlayUtilityps.pdf

I'll check the SKU and get back to you on that as well.

Thanks,
-David-

[Grumpy Vet]

Sorry about the pics - since this thread started - my ISP changed settings - Thanks Comcast.

[Grumpy Vet]

...and the other style...

[McSierra]

thanks for the repost of the pictures... I picked up 4 bags yesterday...

Andre S.

[Grumpy Vet]

...story of my life - I always seem to be a day late.

Glad you found some.

[McSierra]

Grumpy Vet,
I'm not sure how much and you wanted to buy but you are about 3 hours away from where I am.. I was at HD two days ago and they had a ton of it left.

If a few of you from where you live want some it maybe worth the trip, for one of you to come up here for it.

[Grumpy Vet]

Very kind of you -

I have made other arrangements....thrilled you got what you needed. All my best!

[Saliki]

Originally posted by SW Beginner
Saliki,

None is available locally in the bay area. However, it is shipped out of Ft. Pierce. If you go back a few pages in this thread you should be able to find the information. Goes for $20 a ton, I believe, and you have to pick it up.

I have a Ram 1500 w/ extended bed....I wonder how much I could fit in the bed!?!
Its about a 4 hour drive from here.............hmmmm???

[Casino]

Lets just put it this way......You can make alot of DSB's for tanks. I think if you go down there, you back up your truck and they jsut fill your bed up with sand, or something like that.

[maldridge]

I have searched the post for confirmed location that are close, which the shortest would be a 2.5 hour drive. Has anyone recently seen SD in any HD in Baltimore or Philly. All the Delaware stores no longer carry it, just the Sakrete brand.

I am a little worried about relying on HD to verify they have it, then drive hours to find out it is the wrong stuff.

Starting to gather supplies for my new 450 gallon tank.

TIA,
Matt

[foxstop]

Well I did find some Southdown, but it took a bit of searching through some HD's.
I pass 2 HD's on my way to work and I'm aobut 5miles from a third. This is in Rockland and Orange County NY.
The first one had another brand of playsand. The second one had about 20 bags of Southdown, but it was outside on a huge pallet and frozen solid. For those of you in the Northeast you know how bitter cold this winter has been.
Needless to say I worked for my sand!
If you live in the areas I mentioned just PM me and I'll let you know which store had the sand.

Take care.

Brian

[Grumpy Vet]

Hey Matt -

The last time I checked, several of the local HD stores around here had it (a week ago). If you can't find it anywhere - in my travels, I'll take a look around and see if they have it.

Please let me know.

I'm just below Baltimore. If I find it, maybe we can arrange something.

[uC]

I too have been hunting for it in philly area and have not yet found it. Hmmm

[Grumpy Vet]

I'll check around - maybe you guys could plan someone coming down and picking some up around here. I'll keep you abreast.

[maldridge]

Thanks Grumpy, I know there is a Home Depot just off of I95 near the White Marsh Mall north of Baltimore, is this one you happen to have been to?

uC, how much are you looking for??? I would be more than happy to pick you some up if you would like.

Thanks,
Matt

[uC]

maldridge, doing a 5" dsb in a120 g. Cant find a post I saw that computed sand lb/sq ft. Thats a lot. Don't want you to have to cart it all on your own. Willing to go down there with you if grumpy vet finds it there. Only limitation on my side is that it has to be after the 4th of March-weekend best but can get away during the week. Where is Bear DE?

[maldridge]

That would be cool. Do you have a truck or a way to haul all that sand?

I am starting a 440 GL tank ( 130" x 25" x 31" ), I would need about 13 bags.

If your 120 is 48x24 then you would need 5 bags. If it is a longer version you would need roughly 6 bags.

Here is a calculator:

http://reefcentral.com/calc/SandBed.php

Thanks,
Matt

[uC]

440, yow! I have a subaru hatchback. We are talking 1080lb of sand for the two of us, probably more than it can safely support. What do you have?

[guytano]

What are your experiences....should you rinse the southdown or not....I have heard mixed opinions

[mbort]

Originally posted by maldridge
Thanks Grumpy, I know there is a Home Depot just off of I95 near the White Marsh Mall north of Baltimore, is this one you happen to have been to?

uC, how much are you looking for??? I would be more than happy to pick you some up if you would like.

Thanks,
Matt

Matt,

I just picked up Southdown at HD in Timonium, MD this weekend (just north of Baltimore on I-83). They had at least 2 more palettes sitting in a cage outside.

[mbort]

Actually, I just picked it up on Tuesday. And like I said, they had lots more in the cage.

[maldridge]

Thanks mbort, I will probably stop at the one at White Marsh mall since it is on the way, if they don't have it, on to Timonium.

uC, I have a Chevy Avalanche, probably could carry all that we would need. I might be down that way Fri or Sat, would you like me to pick some up for you, 5 / 6 bags??? You could pick them up at my house. Bear is about 10 miles off of I95 before you get into Maryland.

Anyone else need some that lives semi-close????

guytano, I am pretty new to the LSB, but I did read some posts here that said if you wash it, you will lose some of the smaller particles that are needed.

Thanks
Matt

[uC]

Matt,

My tank is 24x48, so 300lb (50lb/bag?-I guess 6). Very much appreciate it! Again, if you don't make it before the 4th for some reason and need a hand, I would be happy to join you.

Yoni

[Grumpy Vet]

That Timonium store is farther north than the HD stores that I have been to. I live south of Baltimore - and the stores I have seen them in are just south of that Timonium store. If I'm not mistake there are 11 Home Depot stores w/in about 20 miles of that store.

The store in Columbia, MD does have 1 pallet of southdown right now. If you guys are not coming soon and want me to check before you come - let me know......Timonium is a bit of a drive - but I could at least assure you that SD is available at a backup store just a bit south so your drive will almost guarantee a "score".

[Fishster]

Does anyone know about other companies in Florida or elsewere that are suppliers of aragonite sand? Surely the company that supplies southdown and carib sea can't be the only one.

[baddoger]

Im in southern california and there is no SD here. I was wandering if anyone knows of any other play sand that will work besides that of SD. If you do you please let me know of the name.

[guytano]

I am looking for individuals to order a pallet of SD from Home depot. I have talked to someone that can order it for me and have it sent to the madison west store. Freight would be $76.00 and total bags was something like 74 or 76. at 4.80/bag plus shippnig that equals around 5.60 per bag....great deal...IF i can get some people to go in on it with me. I am going to a LFS to pitch the idea to the owner. I am also going to my neighbors that have sandboxes to see if they would want some.

PM me if you are interested. Let me know where you are and we can figure something out.

[2tooocs]

For those who can't get SD. Purearagonite sells what else... pure aragonite! They sell 40# bags for around $12 plus shipping. I'm in CA, so as luck would have it I have to pay the highest shipping cost @ $11/bag. Shipping is less the closer you are to the mid-atlantic states. You also get a free bag w/ purchase of 4 or more bags.They can be found @ purearagonite.com or phone # 866-726-3233

[Dakota03]

Looking for Southdown in Central Texas. Can anyone help me??

[guytano]

Can anyone tell me the consistancy of SD...What about Color? Is it soft?

[mgk65]

It is off-white. Very fine grain and would be considered "soft"

mgk

[guytano]

Thanks MGK65

[guytano]

I spoke with the company that produces Southdown Sand and there have been some changes....I apologize if this is repetition from earlier posts because I haven't read all 7 pages !!
Anyway, The lady I spoke with said that the bags may have the name "old castle stone products" on the bag now as they have changed their name to that. Going forward it will be important to note this change when looking for SD.
Also, for those in Illinois, she said that they do ship to illinois, but not this time of year, so try in summer maybe.....

[crgeltn]

I just returned from the Home Depot on Arm And Hammer Blvd. in Pottstown, Pa (off 422). They have a pallet of SD in the outside garden area in the back near the pavers. I bought 3 bags for my new tank @4.99 per bag and thought I would share the info!

:rollface:

[Fizz71]

<B>OLDCASTLE = SOUTHDOWN</B>

I just got off the phone with "Audrey" from Old Castle Stone Products and she assured me that their playsand is EXACLTY the same as Southdown...because they ARE Southdown.

I got the number from my HD garden dept. ordering representative. He told me that Southdown is no more, and that they were 'bought out" by "OldCastle". He said that all the OldCastle products they get are packaged IDENTICAL to their old Southdown packing, but with the new name on it.

I called the company and asked if their source for the sand was the same as before and she said "yes, they are the exact same products, with a different name on them."

My HD is gearing up for spring now (which is funny because it's snowing outside right now, here in PA), and he said that their first order will be here in two weeks. I'll check it out when it arrives, and see what the bag says.

If anybody is interested, their (Oldcastle) phone number is 610-923-8805, which is actually Southdown's old number. You can order over the phone, but I didn't inquire as to how much you have to order, or if you need to be a business or something like that...why bother when I can get it from HD in 2 weeks. The company is located in Easton, PA.

Something else interesting that I found. I found a reference for Southdown/Cemex in Easton PA and the web address was: http://www.yardright.com. Their playsand is also listed with the same words as Southdown (and others): "Ideal for sandboxes, white Tropical Play Sand from the Caribbean is sterilized and silica-free." I don't know if the reference is a mistake or what, but I'm tired of digging...


..I'm going to wait two weeks for the Oldcastle shipment and see what it looks like.

Any comments??

--Fizz

[Fizz71]

Thanks for the info crgeltn...maybe I'll take a drive up tonight..it's not that far for me, did they have alot left? Was is it all in good shape? It's been there for months, since you can't get "Southdown" anymore.

--Fizz

[crgeltn]

Fizz,
The bags are in good condition. There is a full pallet left with the shrink wrap still on and it is not out in the elements but it is outside under the roof. You will have to get someone to help you get it down, it is on the second shelf and you can't reach it by yourself. Glad I could help!

[Brimarbio]

Just thought all those looking for/having trouble finding Southdown might be interested to learn that Coraldynamics now offers it on their web site...FWIW
Brian

[guytano]

I spoke with AUBREY also at Old castle stone products....She said that I would have to order a truckload to get it delivered directly to me!

[guytano]

I just got some bags and noticed the "not recommended for aquarium use"....any worries? I assume this is on all bags and is just their disclaimure of sorts but....?????

[mgk65]

I view it as a disclaimer.

There are some individuals that have had problems with it. But, on RC, there are two that I remember. The rest (1000s) have been happy with it.

The problems could have been due to usage. Both times, it seems, sand was put into old tanks causing great sand storms. Never heard of a problem with a new tank.

I have personally used about 30 bags without incident.

mgk

[guytano]

How would you recommend putting it in the tank.....I have an empty tank now...someone recommended putting the sand in, unwashed, than put something in to deflect water like a small bowl or something and pour the water onto the bowl....

[mgk65]

That is the correct way. That's the way I did it.

mgk

[leafreef]

:fish1:
Thanks grumpy vet for the info; just picked up 200 lbs @ 5.99 per 50 lb bag here in Buffalo.

[duncanjc]

Struck out at the local HD. They carry Quickcrete play sand. Have to try a HD I know in RI. :(

[mgk65]

You have to look in the garden section.

It is a seasonal item, so it may not be at that store.

I know it's tough to read 8 pages, but that information is there.

mgk

[Casino]

duncanjc

I bought SD at the North attleboro HD on Exit 2 off 95. Its outside in the gardening dept.

guytano

Thats just SD's way of escaping any law suits, if you decided to sue them cause your fish died.

Yes old castle has bought SD and will be distributing the sand this spring. Same sand diffrent name.

Yardright is the same sand as SD, diffrent bag. Same source, Just advertised for diffrent regions or something.

[pdyp]

<--Patiently waits for Chicago area HDs to do...something! Hopefully I'll see things in the two weeks mentioned.

[2tooocs]

I live in the North Lake Tahoe area and after a lot of phone calls and string pulling, I am potentially getting a full pallet of Southdown. This means I will have over 50 bags for sale to anyone who can make it to my garage and load it up! I say potentially because it has not actually arrived yet, although it is being shipped out tomorrow. If anyone has any interest, E-mail me for more info. I plan on selling them for around $10-$15 a bag, depending on what the final total cost will be.

[duncanjc]

CASINO:

Stopped by the HD at exit 2 tonight. Outside garden, back corner on the right. All they had was Quickcrete brand play sand. Is this what you bought?

I found one bag of SD at the HD in Smithfield, I295 exit 7 in RI. Everything else there was Quickcrete as well.


Found other references to Quickcrete in this forum. I really am looking for something white, not the dirty Quickcrete color. I guess I'll see what the LFS has and pay through the nose.

Thanks

[Casino]

back corner on the right

Its on the left side. Once you go in thru the not so automatic door, you keep going strait. If its not there, it must have been moved somewhere, they tend to do that. There were like 50 bags on a pallette. The quickrite play sand is ok, if you like that brown color.

Spring is only weeks away, Old castle will be shipping the sand since HD holds it as a seasonal item. Id wait.

[seirk]

For anyone interested...a friend of mine picked up 12 bags for me at a Home Depot in Wake Forest, NC yesterday. He was passing through NC on a business trip and was nice enough to check a few HD's on the way. :D :p :D

Oh yeah, he said they had an entire pallet of the sand...

[duncanjc]

HD on Rt 1 in Norwood, MA has about half a pallet left. Thanks for everyone's help on finding this most elusive of sands. :)

[NasoTang22]

Has Anyone out there even seen the Tropical Play Sand from Old Castle???? IS this really the same aragonite white sand as South down and if so would anyone happen to have a picture of it???? Please help!!!!!

[Casino]

Yes it is. Old castle bought SD and will be shipping it to all HD this spring. Im not sure if this changes yard right sand, but yard right is the same as SD also.

[NasoTang22]

Does Anyone recommend rinsing this sand??? I mean i can only imagine how dusty it might be. I wonder if I use the "cup" method where i slowly drip water into a cup until it overflows, if that'll work to keep the tank dustless in my 55 GALLON

[guytano]

I just put 3 bags of SD in my tank yesterday.....an clues on how long it will take for all the sand to settle? After it settles, any ideas on how to clear off the fall out from the settling off all the rocks without creating anther sandstorm?

[Casino]

It should only take a day or 2 at the most. I use a turkey baster to blow sand off the rocks. Keep one just for your tank, you will be blowing alot of sand from the rocks.

[Casino]

Does Anyone recommend rinsing this sand???
No, you need those small particles in your bed.

[stephane]

Does anyone have a picture and the bar code of the new
OLDCASTLE package Im looking to transfer this stuff in Williston, VT but without anymore info it is hard to get someting

Tanks

[Rebels23]

Since SouthDown playsand is so fine, is it a good substrate to have for live critters (i.e. hermit crabs, snails, shrimp,....etc.)? Thanks.

[Casino]

Does anyone have a picture and the bar code of the new OLDCASTLE package
Not even old castle has it. They are still designing the bags, it will be like the SD just with the old castle name an the colors might be the same or they might change them. Dont bother transfering bags to your home depot (only if its the good old SD) since all HD will have them in stock for this spring.

[NasoTang22]

I was wondering the same thing........If the sand is never rinsed at all, isnt it really easy to get a sand storm if the critters or fish are startled? Also I noticed that alot of deep sand beds, when viewed from the front of the tank, have this stringy algae look in the layers....is that actually a good thing, and doesn't it look a tad bit dirty to the rest of you?

[mgk65]

stephane:

I've been reading your posts for quite a while.... all are very informative..... but, can I send you an 'H' key? :) just kidding.... :D

rebels23:
southdown is good for all inhabitants, including the ones you mention. Some snails however, do not (cannot) dwell on sand.

mgk

[stephane]

Originally posted by mgk65
stephane:

I've been reading your posts for quite a while.... all are very informative..... but, can I send you an 'H' key? :) just kidding.... :D

mgk

Hello Mgk if you read my post for quit a while you already know Im french Canadian so Im sorry but I realy dont understand wath you mean :confused: Wath is this mean ''can I send you an 'H' key?''

my english knowlege small and I have realy hard time get english joke sorry :) (hope it is a joke:D)

[stephane]

Originally posted by CASINO
Not even old castle has it. They are still designing the bags, it will be like the SD just with the old castle name an the colors might be the same or they might change them. Dont bother transfering bags to your home depot (only if its the good old SD) since all HD will have them in stock for this spring.

Tanks Casino

when you mean all home do you mean all over USA? maybe we poor Canadian will have it!

Anyway Im starting a coral farm so I need a full skid and can't wait till summer

if someone know were I could or know how I could transferst some Williston" #4501


I already ask home depos and here is my request and there respond (i said Im from plastburg vermont to be shure they dont send me to my local store in MTL

Original Message Follows:

Hi
Im looking for Southdown Play Sand
the bar code on the bag is 0 90604 20100 2
Model description: 50 LB Play Sand
Sells for approx. $4.98 Each
Could you tell me if Williston store #4501
have this product and if not where I could
find it or if it is possible to arrange a
store transfer for a skid pallet to
Williston store and how to do it by phone

Here is a link for a picture of the sand bag
http://www.colemanitis.com/reefcentral/south
down.gif

I need this exact same product

Regard Stephane Dufour


Hello Stephane,

Thank you for your e-mail to homedepot.com!

Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback about our site. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced, and we will pass your comments along to our Internet Team.

At this time, play sand is not available through our online store. Therefore, pricing and product information is not posted on our website. Home Depot online carries a limited selection of our in-stock products at everyday low prices. The selection is limited to only those products that can be shipped via UPS. We may be adding more product categories to our site in the future.

We did check price and availability with your closest Home Depot. You will find this item in the Garden Department:

SKU# 578819
Model description: 50 LB Play Sand
Sells for approx.$5.99 EA

Because inventory changes regularly, we recommend speaking with an associate in the Garden Department to confirm price and availability before making the drive in to your store.

Your local store information is as follows:

"Williston" #4501
105 Harvest Lane
Williston, VT 05495
(802)872-0039

If this is not the store nearest you, or you wish to check availability at another location, please follow these steps: go to homedepot.com and click the "Store Locator" tab on the toolbar. Once you've accessed the Store Locator page, enter your geographic information and click the "Find Store" button. The Store Locator will provide you with a map and a list of stores in your area.

If we can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact us again.

Sincerely,

Tim
homedepot.com

Not realy help they dont even have the same SKU of the code bare I send :(

[guytano]

Ha! H key....too funny
What do you think about running filtration and powerheads when waiting for sand to fall? I assume that having them running would be a bad thing , 1. because it would stir the sand around and 2, it would suck the sand into the filtration.....whatchya think?

[mgk65]

stephane:

Yes, it is really a joke. :) It can be difficult to pass along facial expressions. :mixed:

I'm aware that you have a slight language barrier, however, you do just fine in getting your idea across.

I was just poking a little fun, it seems a lot of your english words are missing the letter H. ('ting') he he.

:D

mgk

[stephane]

Ho! Hokay! HI, Hundersthand nowh sohrry Hi hwill bhe more carefhull now.

hit sheem likhe henglish nheed H key Heveryhere soh him hok
nowh!

Sorrhy
:D :D :rollface:

[Casino]

was wondering the same thing........If the sand is never rinsed at all, isnt it really easy to get a sand storm if the critters or fish are startled?
No because the sand will contain bacteria that makes the sand heavy, If you move it with your hand or a skick you will creat a bid storm. Fishes to sift throu it on ocasion but it settles quickly, not like when you first put it in, you dont event notice.
have this stringy algae look in the layers....is that actually a good thing
Yes it is, its a sign of a working DSB.
when you mean all home do you mean all over USA?
All HD that previously had SD in there stock. But I dont know about canada, If you have a HD in canada you cna get a Manager there to ship you a pallete from a neighboring state.
can't wait till summer
You wont have to, all HD are scheduled to receive there SPRING inventory, which includes old castle play sand.
SKU# 578819
Dont rely on that bar code, its a universal code for HD for all their playsand. Thats why its advised when speaking to an associate on the phone to please visually verify that they have the sand in question,on there computers inventory, many sands will show up and they might confuse it with the quickrete tropical play sand, which is ok for a tank, only if you like the brown color.
What do you think about running filtration and powerheads when waiting for sand to fall? I assume that having them running would be a bad thing , 1. because it would stir the sand around and 2, it would suck the sand into the filtration.....whatchya think?
Your right it does cause more sandstorm, but it also lets the sand come in contact with more of the bacteria thats comming alive and the bacteria will be skattered best. You could if you wanted wait a day for the storm to settle, I pursonaly ran the tank on full power. If it should suck sand into your filters it would be ok because its advised not to have media in them, thus the sand will just go throu the filters and back into the tank.

[stephane]

tanks Casino

I have already try to transfert to canada but they said they could only transfert inside Canada no USA :mad:

When I said bar code is is not the SKU but the number code print on the bag soutdown have this number 0 90604 20100 2
does this code is from the factory package and only for the southdown ?

[guytano]

Quote:
If it should suck sand into your filters it would be ok because its advised not to have media in them, thus the sand will just go throu the filters and back into the tank


What do you mean that it is advised not to have media in them?
Is this the nitrate factory theory in the working?

[Casino]

number code print on the bag
HD employees read that number with a scanner to know what SKU # to tag it with. They go by the SKU number. They might have bags with diffrent bag numbers, but their tagging system will give all play sand the same SKU #. This was explained to me by a garden manager at my local HD.
Is this the nitrate factory theory in the working?
You betcha, Ordinary filters are good in freshwater tanks, but in SW we have the option of a DSB. Media in filters trap debris and wastes and stay in the media, which is awsome in a FW but bad in a SW. All that is collected in the media in filters will quickly incrise your nitrates. Without media in your filters, you let the debris and stuff settle on your DSB and when all that is converted into nitrate, your bed converts it into nitrogen gas. Media cannot do this.

[mistybellis]

I would really like to know if anyone near Lexington, Kentucky has obtained this sand. If so, please help me! Thanks.:rolleye1:

[NasoTang22]

quote "You betcha, Ordinary filters are good in freshwater tanks, but in SW we have the option of a DSB"


hmmmm Why can't we utilize a deep sand bed for freshwater tanks using a non-aragonite sand???

[Casino]

I think you will have PH issues in FW, and FW fish are not acostumed to sand, I dont think its their natural habitat, it would be cool to know if you could use a DSB in FW tanks, but it I think its highly unlikely.

[NasoTang22]

That's not true, You can buy Sand substrate that is safe for both freshwater as well as Saltwater. I actually have a sand bed in my current 10 gallon tank and it has no affect on PH levels. as far as the fish being accustomed to gravel more.....I don't know if this is so, my fish seem to love the sand and any substrate is better than none. =)

[guytano]

Thank you all for the information about my sandstorm with SD....I have turned on my filter and overnight it cleared up.....

Now the problem is that there is about 1/8th inch layer of fine, fine sand on the top of my DSB...Any thoughts about that...I haven't done anything yet, but am thinking of siphening it out because otherwise i have a feeling that it will be a very very large headache!

[Casino]

Nasotang, as I said it was a thought. I dont know if you could use SD sand in a FW tank. I would love to hear about that tank you have with sand.

That fine sand on top is great, dont remove it, bacteria settles on it making it heavy, in time you wont even notice it.

[NasoTang22]

The tank I have with sand consists of any normal marine sand you'd buy at your LFS. It works quite well, I had about 2-3 inches in there and I can honestly say that the water quality was pretty good. IT was very low maintenance compared to my 55G freshwater which used gravel.

[Casino]

Ohhh so it wasent like SD sand or any sugar sized sand? I would love to put a DSB on my 72g...Its a pain to clean that gravel.

[NasoTang22]

yup, it was normal marine sand and the bag recommended it for freshwater & saltwater aquariums.....Just made me think with all this DSB talk.....I might actually try one for a freshwater...mine is only about 2-3 inches....IMO i think its alot nicer to look at....

[Tennismurph]

I bought 13 bags sd at the Beaver/chippawa store. They had 40 or so more. The Greensburg store is getting a shopment on weds march 5th. Thanks for letting me know it could be found in PA.

[Casino]

Here it is. The new SD sand from old castle.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1091933#post1091933

[YellowDesmo998]

I went to a local HD in Baltimore and saw what I think is the SD play sand. The bags were red and blue. It said Southdown Tropical Play Sand. IT was a light tan color and was a very fine consistency. Is this the real deal?

[mgk65]

Yellow:

Bingo! That is the real deal!

mgk

[DrMilhouse]

Whoa, are we not sticky with this thread any more?

It seems to have moved almost to an IM conversation, perhaps we could strip out the useful information in this post, such as the pictures, the numbers, the UPCs and SKUs and save it at the top?

Is this possible?

[YellowDesmo998]

Well if this is the case, it is at the HD at exit 11 off of I-695, (south side of the Baltimore Beltway between I-97 and I-95). They had several pallets in the outside garden section near the back. They were $3.94 for a 50 lb bag. I’m going to get my 300 lb’s worth tomorrow!!

[Dean812]

add atlantic city, new jersey. $5.12 a bag. hundreds of bags available.

[NasoTang22]

I found Southdown at a Home Depot in Long Island City Queens. Bought 5 bags on Monday. They had about 18 left. When i called H.D. they knew it as "Old Castle Sand" but the package really is still Southdown (for now at least)

[bsatanek]

Because this seem to be a post for SD sightings, I just bought some today for my first reef tank. Actually, my first purchase, don't even have the tank yet. Had to drive 1.5 hours to get it! They still have several palettes:

Store #3812 "Beechmont"
520 Ohio Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45255

[mistybellis]

I made the trip to Cincinnati today and bought some sand. It was a 4 hour trip there and 4 hours back for me. Now I just need to find out how to put it in the tank......since it has already cycled, has LR and a few inhabitants in it. My tank has been running about 3 1/2 months. Can anyone give suggestions? My tank is a 29g with about 35 lb LR in it, 2 fish, 1 invert, 3 SPS corals and 1 LPS coral - yes, I added stuff way too quickly
......impatient me!!!:mixed:

[brianw75]

Can anyone that has gotten HD to transfer the sand to their HD explain what the process is? Thank you for the help in advance. I would like to get a pallet or two transfered to a store in Colorado Springs.

[Grumpy Vet]

During the conversation w/ Home Depot it turns out there are actually 5 manufacturers listed under this sku that make playsand for Home Depot NE region. The northeast region is defined as northern Virginia market over to Pennsylvania and into New England. If Southdown is at a store that is not in this area - it is a fluke.

The Home Depot policy according to the manager at customer service I talked to re: shipping Southdown between stores is "Get Bent". So - if you want it shipped to your local HD - polish up on your smooth talking, ask for a lady in the Garden Center and do your very best Barry White voice.......we got it together now baby.......

Seriously - you gotta be smooth and persistent. You can get them to do it. Search this thread - people have gotten HD to do it and the cost was not out of this world.

I wish you the absolute best. Remember - persistent.....for the store to order it - it is not a big deal - you gotta either convince them upfront or wear them down so they make a call and get it done so you will get off their case.

[guytano]

I am hours away from getting confirmation that my order is going through....!! I spoke to the HD guy at my store yesterday afternoon and he said he had to check the system to see if the shipment had left yet. Although I will believe it when I see it, I hopefully will have a pallet coming to my store in Madison in the next week.
Yes, it did involve calls to multiple people in the same department, talking to store managers and smooth talkking out of my ars! Not so much on HD on this end, but mainly the store that I have been working with that had it....They seem to be catching on with how popular this stuff is and are getting grumpy when other stores want it. The quote from the store manager was " we ordered this for the people in our area and we are turning out to be a distribution center and I don't like it, but I will help you out this time"
I think the key is to find a store that has it that no one has approached them to do it. Ask for the outdoor garden IMA or garden manager. Then, if they show opposition, either try another manager, go above that person, or try another store. More than likely the store manager has put the clamps down on shipping this stuff out because they know they can sell it at their store. The biggest thing is that if they do show opposition, ask them why...I did that and the person said that their store had done it before and got stuck with paying freight and basically it cost them money to ship it instead of getting profit. Offer to pay the freight...with the amount of bags you get, the freight only works out to be something like $3-4/bag...compare that to the $30-40/bag for just getting one bag at LFS! Not bad.
All in all, I think eventually with all this demand for these bags, and I only see it getting larger, HD and Old Castle will figure out a way to get it shipped to other stores. It only makes sense.

In fact, Old Castle told me that they would ship it to Wisconsin, but that they needed to order a full truckload...who knows how many bags that is, but large areas like Milwaukee, Minneapolis, even out west, there has to be demand for this stuff. If a bright HD store manager were to figure this out and get one shipped and figure out a way to get it to other stores in his area, I think they would do well....Of course, who knows what depth the politics go!

Good Luck!


Guytano

[heuerfan]

I just went to Home Depot in Long Island City, NY (Queens) and bought some Southdown sand. They have 6 bags left.

Just wanted to share the info. They are located on 48th Street and Northern Blvd.

[griss]

heuerfan,

[welcome]

Griss

[VanderWaal]

Hi;
This is my first posting.
Yesturday, I found Gulf Coast White Beach Sand at a local Home Depot. It looked alot like CaribSea Sand. Although it was packaged locally, I was wondering if it could be simular to Southdown? It is fine grained and light tan in color.
How does one test the sand to determine if its silica or aragonite?

[dante71985]

anyone found any in NEW MEXICO????

i really need some!!!

[jackson6745]

bump

[pgagne]

=========

The SKU for Southdown play sand is 578-819. This is a universal SKU for 2 different vendors of play sand. The other supplier is NOT Southdown and looks strikingly different. If you read nothing else - read this -

Do Not Order Southdown Playsand w/ this SKU or description and Expect to get Southdown.....The manufacturer will vary and needs to be physically checked by you or the HD guy.

===========

I think I understand that it IS a manufacturer.
It may be able to be purchased at HD.

this means that this sku may not be SD sand? Is that correct?
Can you purchase other places.

=========
If SD sand is not found or available, is any other type of sand good to help "seed" a DSB with live sand?

[randyminer]

Anyone know of a source in Central Florida / Orlando? Unfortunately I don't have any way to get to Jacksonville or Ft. Pierce with a truck! I'm interested in around 75 lbs but would buy more if available...

[mistybellis]

Welcome to Reef Central randyminer!:mixed:

[randyminer]

Thanks! :)

I have a cousin driving down to FL from OH. I asked him to check his local HD for caribbean type play sand - haven't heard back yet... Have my fingers crossed.

[randyminer]

No caribbean sand in the Ohio HDs that they called. Guess I'll end up shelling out ~$30 for 40# from www.purearagonite.com . Anyone know of a better source in Central Florida other than driving to Marcona's plants?

[kevinpo]

guytano,
Do you have a number for Old Castle? Is the sand the same as Southdown or Pure Aragonite? I could buy a truckload. I think there is 7-10 pallets on a truckload. I am on the Idaho Washington border.

Regards,
Kevin

[guytano]

Kevin,
If you look through the posts, you will find the number...and yes, oldcastle is the same as SD.

[pgagne]

what number are we talking about? the SKU number?

[guytano]

no, the Phone # to Old Castle...
Its in there somewhere. I found it a while back but didn't write it down.