Alternatives to using Live sand?

[maroon]

I used Southdown play sand in one of my tanks back in the day, although I see they don't sell that anymore. Anyone using any non-live sand substrate alternatives? I think it has to be silica free and made of calcium carbonate maybe. Just looking to save some $$ for my next tank build. Thanks!

 

[MadReefer]

For what its worth I have heard of people using silica free play sand that you can buy at Lowes or Home Depot. Maybe someone can post if they used it, pros / cons.

 

[shipwrecked]

IMO I used the sand you could buy at HD 6 yrs ago when I first started my 90 reef.I didnt see any bad things happen and eventually I had worms,pods and the like growing in it.

 

[Whitebird1]

Bare bottom, 5 tanks works for me.

 

[vangvace]

A lot of lfs awll dead sand as well and it's close to half the price of livesand. I had silca playsand in my tank once and didn't care for how it looked wet.