Sand question

[Axolotl hammy]

Hi all,

Can I use aquarium sand in my enclosure? I have some left from my Axolotl tank- it’s a fairly fine (similar to reptisand) undyed sand with no added calcium or anything. I believe it’s a silica sand which most are.
It is the brand stoney river if that is at all important.

Thanks in advance

 

[Maz]

Hi. I haven't heard of that brand before. People do use some reptile sand, if it's calcium free, but the main thing is that it's not dusty and the pieces aren't too large or sharp. If it's quite coarse-grained then it probably isn't suitable.

 

[Axolotl hammy]

Hi. I haven't heard of that brand before. People do use some reptile sand, if it's calcium free, but the main thing is that it's not dusty and the pieces aren't too large or sharp. If it's quite coarse-grained then it probably isn't suitable.

They’re tiny fine grains. It’s leftover from the bag I bought for my axolotl tank so it has to be fine because of the axolotl lol. If it’s not sharp or coarse is it ok to use?

 

[Maz]

I would use your own judgement on it then . I haven’t heard of anyone using aquarium sand for a hamster. Personally I would be cautious. Is it sterilised? It might need washing and baking.

The usual ones used are reptisand or Komodo natural sand.

 

[Maz]

I think most hamster places would suggest not as it’s not something we’re familiar with. A bag of the natural sand costs about £10 and lasts for a very long time so it’s maybe not worth the risk.

 

[Axolotl hammy]

I think most hamster places would suggest not as it’s not something we’re familiar with. A bag of the natural sand costs about £10 and lasts for a very long time so it’s maybe not worth the risk.

Sand is very expensive here- that’s the only reason I asked, I will buy reptisand or playsand though.
It’s about $40CAD for a 5-10 pound bag of sand.

 

[Maz]

Whereabouts are you? Guessing that's Canadian dollars?

 

[Maz]

Amazon.ca has reptisand for $24 and Niteangel sand for $18.99

Reptisand

Niteangel sand

Also can you get childrens play sand? That is often very cheap, sterilised, and sold in a huge bag.

 

[Axolotl hammy]

Amazon.ca has reptisand for $24 and Niteangel sand for $18.99

Reptisand

Niteangel sand

Also can you get childrens play sand? That is often very cheap, sterilised, and sold in a huge bag.

Oh wow reptisand is so much cheaper on Amazon than at pet stores! Niteangel is saying it’s $31 but reptisand is cheap. It’s so expensive at Petsmart or petland. It’s like over $40 at pet valu.
I’m in Canada, a fairly rural province at that. Hamster stuff is so expensive now here. A bag of carefresh that used to cost $30 like 5 years ago is now about $50.

 

[Maz]

I've heard before that hamster stuff is more expensive in Canada, because most of it is shipped from the US

 

[Axolotl hammy]

I've heard before that hamster stuff is more expensive in Canada, because most of it is shipped from the US

Yep I think so, and everything seems to just be skyrocketing in price still