I’m working on setting up a small system and I’m wondering if quikrete sand would work. I find two options there’s all purpose coarse washed sand which I believe is basically graded for masonary but it doesn’t specify or I can get quikrete pool filter sand. Would either of these be appropriate?
On the Quikrete website it says:
QUIKRETE® All-Purpose Sand (No. 1152) is a washed, properly graded coarse sand with multi-purpose uses. Meets ASTM C 33 specifications.
Section 16.4 of the iAVs Handbook says:
Sand used for concrete (meeting standards like ASTM C33) typically has the required particle size distribution and is washed free of excessive fines and contaminants. Look for “washed concrete sand,” “construction sand,” or “sharp sand.”
Oh nice. Somehow I missed that.
Some additional information generously provided by Dr. McMurtry:
On the Quikrete website there is a range of commercial sands. They are a “consistently graded, washed and kiln dried sand used for industrial and construction applications.” Available in coarse, medium and fine grade.
I’d suggest 3 parts #1963 + 2 parts #1962. … and personally I’d add 1 part #1961 for every 10 to 15 of the others (for added SSA)…
Bulk discounts most places. Also 8 to 12 times cheaper than clay ball BS
100#/cu ft. 40 bags = 1.5 cu yd…Local quarry price ~ $60-70/ cu meter + delivered within 160km. – Dr. McMurtry
Apply the coarser sands on the lower layers of the biofilter.
Nevermind. Price dictated using the all purpose sand. It’s $20 cheaper per 50 pounds. It’s a small system so no big loss if it doesn’t work well.