Substrate

[FloridaFishGuy]

Ok i got my tank finally. Now im looking for some cheap substrate. I want just plain tan color gravel and is has to be fairly small because im putting in live plants. Do you think gravel is a good idea or do you think i should go with sand. And if you could please tell me some prices and places to get it in the us.

 

[cheirodon]

First, go with gravel. Sand is tougher to maintain. I'm sure somebody can further enlighten you in the pro's and con's of each, but the general consensus is gravel is easier.

Second, I'm not a local, so I'll be doing a little guessing here, but I'm pretty sure you can find the same gravel they sell at the lfs, at Home Depot or Kmart, and cheaper. Regular gravel is used for plants, to mix with concrete and make decorative walkways, etc. Just make sure it's little rocks, and not porous material

And rinse it thoroughly before you put it in. I put mine in a collander my wife uses for pasta, and dipped it in+out in a bucket until the water came out clean.

Also, in Florida you can find some wonderful natural stuff to put in your tank. I saw one with limestone + wood, probably from the Everglades, and it looked awesome. Just do some more research, and you'll find great ideas.

 

[guppymonkey]

Also, in Florida you can find some wonderful natural stuff to put in your tank. I saw one with limestone + wood, probably from the Everglades, and it looked awesome. Just do some more research, and you'll find great ideas.

I wouldn't really recommend this for a beginner tank. I don't think limestone is a good aquarium material. But anyways, you can find most any color of gravel you want for usually reasonable prices. Make sure it is aquarium gravel as there are obviously different kinds of gravel and some will not be suitable for your fish tank. Sand really isn't that good of a substrate, it takes a lot of work and can be host to anaerobic bacteria that will kill fish. Unless you plan on spending a huge amount of time on it sand isn't worth the effort.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi FishNewbie,

Gravel is usually better than sand to start out with and perhaps always. I still use the same kind of gravel I got years ago when I started out.

You may want to make some phone calls to the lfs in your area to find one that sells gravel by the pound. (Usually the chain stores do not.) When you do, you may find it comes in different sizes. I use #3 gravel and it costs about .30 a lb. It is basic gravel in shades of tan. You will need about 10 to 12 lbs. Plants do well in it.

Be sure whatever gravel you get has rounded surfaces. If you get cory cats, they could injure theselves digging in gravel that has sharp edges.

 

[KnuckleHead]

Id go with sand. Some say its harder to maintain but I disagree. The dirt will lay on top of the sand where its easily accesible. To fight the naughty bacteria just swirl it a bit when cleaning and youll have no problems. Trumpet snails, correct me if Im wrong, also aid in fighting it since they like to burrow. Ive used sand in my tanks for years and never once had a problem.

 

[Gill]

Hi there

I am just a newbie but what i have found in the past is that you should be careful if you are using non standard gravel/ornaments as some substrat can alter your pH in your tank (such as a nice pebble you might find that "would look nice in the tank")

took me weeks to find out why my pH had changed when i discovered what it was

Just a thought

 

[Lateral Line]

Swimming pool filter sand hardly compacts at all. I used silver sand before, but that always needed more attention. Never had trouble with sand.

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

Ok well i think im gonna go to a few different stores and see how much the gravel is. If i go to home depot or a local gardening store what kind of gravel should i get. Do it actully have to say aquarium gravel?

 

[Fishy Jon]

Definately get gravel. Color is up to you. Some nice looking cheap fish are Danios and tetras. Id you are interested in breeding you might want to start with a few guppies or platies.(2-3 female 1 male). And you may want to get a cave or something for your fish to hide or breed. The rest is up to you and your research. Hope this helps.

Jon

 

[Gill]

Hi again

Just to update on what I said earlier

Aquanut has advised me that if you put a few drops of vinegar on the rock/pebble - ir it fizzes then don't use it - if it does not then it should be safe

" Gill - For future reference, the best way I know of to ensure a rock, pebble etc isn't going to affect the pH of your water is to drop a bit of vinegar on it. If it fizzes or bubbles at all, it's soluble and should not be put into your tank. No fizzing means it's almost certainly safe for your fishies. "



Hope this helps on what I said earlier

 

[floater]

As far as places to go check out www.bigalsonline.com for prices. He has the best around. For example in the LFS an aquaclear 500 powerfilter is $70 on big als its $30!!! He has a really good selection of substrates as well, Good Luck!