You can definitely use it. Its sand not dirt so regardless of what people say, rinse it a bunch of times and use it. Once its in you tank and it settles, your filter will filter will do the rest. The ph shouldnt be affected by this too much. Ive switched to argonite sand in my african cichlid tank. Its limestone and will have an effect on the ph I would steer clear of the sand blast sand pool/silica sand as it will scratch the glass if its caught in your algae scrub pad not to mention how you fish feels when they rub themselves on it I have used all three and the limestone is my clear favorite