Nesting area sand???

[Jimbo Craig]

Hello Jonathan,I have a quick question for you. I have read that regular play sand from hardware stores works well for a nesting area for DBT’s. I already have 60 pounds of sand left over from another aquarium tank/project and I was wondering if I could use this type of sand or if I should go out and get the cheap play sand at Home Depot??? I have 2 thirty pound bags that are unopened. Here’s a link to the type of sand I already have: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+9805+7321&pcatid=7321It is a very fine “sugar sized” sand and it holds it shape very well. Would you recommend using it for a nesting area or should I just go with the Play Sand? What about a 50/50 mix of the two types of sand??? BTW, the nesting area will be 12-13 inches deep and is exactly 24″ x 24″. I already have it built so I hope the size is OK??? Many Thanks, Jimbo

[Jonathan Helms]

Hi Jimbo,I don’t see why you can’t use that sand. I have used the playground sand from Home Depot and I have also used construction pre-washes multipurpose sand. The playground sand helps keep the water cleaner looking. There should also be no reason you can’t mix your sand and the playground sand. You sandpits sound like a good size. Most DBTs don’t dig further down than 8 inches when they lay their eggs. ThanksJonathanwww.diamondbackterrapin.com

[Jimbo Craig]

Great…………..thanks Jonathan. I appreciate your help. My largest female is not quite 6 inches yet, so I’m thinking that she is a year or two away from successfully mating with my only male. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks again, Jimbo On Sun, Jun 12, 2011 at 2:31 PM, Jonathan Helms

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