Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We're having construction on our house, and there is a whole pile of sand outside my door..just calling me to take some. I think it's silica sand...isnt that what they use for construction? I've heard it's good, and I've heard it's bad. I dotn even know if it's silica sand! But my cages are not all sand, it's half carpet and half sand...can I use it? Thanks in advance!
-----
~Julie~

It's probably silica sand. If you choose to do it, be sure to wash it well so most of the silica dust is gone as they are known to cause respiratory problems in people.

FYI, silica sand is usually used in children's sandboxes. At least in the northwest it is. The dffierence between that and regular silica sand is that it's prewashed and screened.

in earlier posts, someone was talking about respiratory problems from silica dust. do a search on the forum, might be something worth considering.
-----
proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

I know that they can breathe in playsand too...so it's pretty much the same. Since it'll be half and half....I'm sure it'll be fine. How should I go about washing it? Hot water...I dunno..thanks!
-----
~Julie~

beats me, im a paper towel girl myself. i just remember some mention of the problem with silica and thought id let ya know
-----
proud mama to:
1.0.0 ball python (mr snake),0.0.1 albino florida kingsnake (CK),1.0.0 leopard gecko (sebastian),0.1.0 colombian rainbow boa (luce),1.1.0 bearded dragon (kaipo and dulce), 1.1.0 colombian redtailed boas (adam and eve)

The point of washing it is to wash out all the fine particles. A garden hose will do.

thanks..so there isnt any bacteria that can hurt my dragons?
-----
~Julie~

Personally I don't think the risk of bacteria is very high with sand. I mean, alot of bacteria, parasites, and even viruses are species specific so bacteria would not be present if the sand hasn't been exposed to ang bearded dragons. Besides, sand is usually kept dry and bacteria usually like most humid places. With that sand, I use sand in my tanks, because they provide lots of space for bacteria to grow.

If you're afraid, you can always bake it in the over for about an hour at 350 to 400 degrees.

I think there's a better chance of impurities in your sand than anything organic like bacteria. That's why it's important to wash it. A lot of breeders keep their animals outside with no problems.