Charcoal as a substrate?

[Sean_Buckley]

In a tank that I saw, it looks as if they have charcoal or carbon as the substrate. Has anyone ever heard of this? It looks really nice, and if it is doable, I may set up a tank with a carbon substrate.
Sean

 

[Colin_BC]

I don't know that charcoal would be a great idea. Perhaps it's just me, but I have not heard of anyone trying this before. Is it possible that it was just a common black aqaurium substrate they had? I have a dark grey/almost black gravel substrate on top of a layer of fluorite in my fry tank. I have also seen a jet black gravel available at some LFS'.

Colin

 

[Sean_Buckley]

I'm SURE it was charcoal. It was broken up like charcoal too. I will probably just go for Onyx sand instead.
Sean

 

[Lateral Line]

You can use pretty much anything as a substrate if it is physically safe, (not sharp for example), and either inert, or modifies your water in a known, understood and desired way.

With little circulation, it may not be a problem, but I did wonder about a the effect a large volume of charcoal would have on the effectiveness of medications should you ever have the need for them.

 

[Sean_Buckley]

I have a hospital tank for that!
Sean

 

[Sanj]

I have used coal blocks before in an aquarium, they were fine. However it wasnt loads.

 

[guppygirl]

I think it would be better just to go with onyx sand... I'm planning to use it myself. Plus I don't think the plants would like it because the carbon would remove all the nutrients it needs.

 

[Nospherith]

Maybe it could have been Eco-Complete? It looks like this:

I acquired a bag of it a few days ago and it's jet black. I'm thinking of mixing it with some black onyx sand or maybe flourite for my substrate.

 

[Sean_Buckley]

Ya, it probably was Eco-complete.
Sean