Play sand with silica

[kiyohime]

I did some research about play sand that contains silica and I was wondering what people thought about it.

Basically, silica is harmless in the form of sand. Most naturally occuring sand (beach, desert) contains a high portion of silica (silicon dioxide), as it is one of the most abundant compounds on earth. It is only harmful when in the form of dust and inhaled. There have been no reports of play sand causing bronchitis or any form of lung cancer, these reports have mainly come from people who work with asbestos (which is a form of silica).

I know that there are other concerns with using sand (impaction) and that it does not truly simulate their natural environment. But my beardie is about 13 1/2" right now and is about the right size for fine grain sand, as she has limited her licking. I'm currently housing her on tile, but she really loves digging so I bought play sand. She absolutely loves digging in it. After reading about silica, I am hesitant about using it, but also I'm suspicious that people have over-reacted to play sand made out of silica.

I've also been considering a towel or some cloth pieces for digging and hiding. But I feel bad hearing her digging on the tile and I'm worried that she will continue doing that if I don't provide her with a loose substrate to dig in (even if that is a small portion of her tank).

Any thoughts?

 

[GlueStick]

I don't see a problem with using play sand if sand is your choice just as long as you sift the crap out of it and wash it a couple times to reduce the dust.

And yes, you are correct, silica is pretty much in all sand, but it is usually only harmful when the silica pieces are large, which is why you sift. Get a fine sifting thingy from a petstore, that way you even take out the smaller pieces rather than the huge pieces.

You see, not only can sand impact a lizard but, the larger the silica pieces when ingested can shred up the intestinal lining of the intestinal tract Now you can only imagine what that feels like... Which can lead to, not only a painful stomach ache! but to infection.

 

[VenomPrx]

silica play sand is fine. its ovehyped nonsense that it causes health problems, the only plausible ones are from impactions, and all of the stigma about silica stems from an overly cautious label warning of the dangers of airborn silica. granted i prefer the label there than not, but it evokes a more cautious reaction from people. i did some extensive research and as it turns out, it will be very difficult to find play sand that ISN'T of a silica base. in addition i would be suspicious of finer white play sands, as these are typically aragonite which is a calcium base. a good way to test, i discovered from reading through reef keeping forums, is to take some sand in a cup and pour in some white vinegar- if it is calcium based it will begin to fizz. if your interested, a cleaner alternative (not as dusty) reccomended by uromastyx keepers. its slightly more expensive at around 10 dollars per 50 pounds, but is reportedly much cleaner: pool filter sand.
i will be trying out Playsand for Rex one he comes fully out of brumation.

 

[glitch_in_the_system]

i did some extensive research and as it turns out, it will be very difficult to find play sand that ISN'T of a silica base.

Not to sound like a jerk but WRONG! Before I had numerous problems when using playsand I bought it at Lowes and they sold play sand from a stone company that was just crushed lime and sand stone. It was really easy to find. Check the area of the garden center that has patio bricks.

 

[kiyohime]

Well, the thing is, silica, which is basically "silicone dioxide" forms a lattice structure commonly known as quartz crystals. Essentially, sand made of silica is weathered/ground down quartz. Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that is made of sand that has been layered over a long period of time and pressure from the layers hardened it into a hard, rock-like substance. What I'm trying to say is that sandstone is sand and the majority of sand is made of silica. There are other minerals that are found in common sand, but there usually is a high portion of silica and I have no idea how these other minerals might affect bearded dragon health.

Limestone is mostly made of the mineral calcium carbonate, which is actually very healthy for most animals (if anyone has or has owned a bird, cuttlebones are made of calcium carbonate). But, again, limestone has also been found to contain varying levels of silica in it (although sandstone is essentially ALL silica). My concern with limestone is that it sounds a lot like calci-sand which I have heard is much worse to keep your beardie on than play sand.

With that said, I would actually like to know what brand of sand you purchased (because I'm interested in checking it out). If the sand you bought states that it is silica free, then that may be better than using silica-based sand due to dust issues. I am skeptical that you can purchase sand with absolutely no silica in it. I have seen ground granite, which also worries me because there has been a lot of research into granite recently and certain types may emit high levels of radon.

Article on granite counter tops contributing to radon in homes:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/25/earlyshow/health/main4292754.shtml

 

[GlueStick]

a cleaner alternative (not as dusty) reccomended by uromastyx keepers. its slightly more expensive at around 10 dollars per 50 pounds, but is reportedly much cleaner: pool filter sand.

I am interested to know what this is. Do you have a link?

But on a better note... We all KNOW that sand is a sensitive topic, so please be courteous.

 

[wizbee]

Does he mean diatomacious earth? (sp) That is what they use in pool filters. Not sure that would be good either.

 

[wizbee]

http://eap.mcgill.ca/publications/eap4.htm
article on diatomaceous earth (the pool stuff is treated with chemicals so that wouldn't be good.)