Cheap Black Gravel / Sand?

[darklight]

My lfs sells tiny amounts of sand for very high prices. Does anyone know a method of obtaining black gravel / sand on the cheap?

 

[rebrn]

I am not sure about UK pricing (I am in the US) but generally gravel is cheaper than sand. If you really want sand I have seen 2 types of black sand, one is Black Tahitian Moon Sand which, is not really sand, I think it is crushed iron ore but not sure on that. I have seen it online and in stores, it is quite expensive and the grandules are on the larger side (not really sand like) and rough/sharp. The other one I found recently is Black Silica Sand, it is used for large outdoor ashtray urns. I am not sure of the consistancy of it, I just heard about it today, not even sure if it is aquarium safe, but was able to find it on line, google search black silica sand. Apparently it is sold at office supply stores here in the US, again not sure about UK. It runs around $10 for 5 pounds.

 

[Bluefintuna]

Argos play sand £3 for 15 kilo, waay cheaper than gravel at £4 for 6 kilo.

 

[Theplayboy]

http/www.waysideaquatics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90&products_id=563

I use this ^^ myself, its fine gravel and i thought it was quite reasonable too.

 

[darklight]

http/www.waysideaquatics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90&products_id=563

I use this ^^ myself, its fine gravel and i thought it was quite reasonable too.

That looks good playboy. I'm in Australia though - I've searched for something similar here, but no luck. My local lfs sells 1kg of this stuff for about $15.

Fine black gravel is what I'm looking for, otherwise black sand...

 

[OldMan47]

Have you tried visiting a local gravel quarry? I find that there is much more available when you arrive in person than you will ever see at a local store. It is also far cheaper to buy gravel or sand in bulk than in 25 Kg bags.

 

[Theplayboy]

http/www.waysideaquatics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90&products_id=563

I use this ^^ myself, its fine gravel and i thought it was quite reasonable too.

That looks good playboy. I'm in Australia though - I've searched for something similar here, but no luck. My local lfs sells 1kg of this stuff for about $15.

Fine black gravel is what I'm looking for, otherwise black sand...

O, slight problem there then. Sorry

 

[darklight]

http/www.waysideaquatics.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=90&products_id=563

I use this ^^ myself, its fine gravel and i thought it was quite reasonable too.

That looks good playboy. I'm in Australia though - I've searched for something similar here, but no luck. My local lfs sells 1kg of this stuff for about $15.

Fine black gravel is what I'm looking for, otherwise black sand...

O, slight problem there then. Sorry

Its my fault - I didnt realise my location wasnt displayed in my details to the left of each post. Ah well.

I was hoping there would be a particular trade / process that calls for black gravel, and therefore it would be avaialble for cheap at local hardware stores / etc. Its possible there is not I guess.

I will have a hunt for local quarries, but my area (Brisbane) is known for sand, and that is about it!

 

[OldMan47]

You might look into a sand blasting supply house. Some of the oxides used in sand blasting are quite dark.

 

[mini_matt]

In a book I bought a couple of days ago it shows pieces of coal being used for decoration, so maybe you could crush up some coal, just need to get rid of any tiny bits of dust