Davejey Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 Can we use builder's gravel on the bottom of the tank? Will plants grow in it? Or beach grit, with minimum shell content? I looked up the Hutt river but it is either sand or too coarse stones. I need to cover 24"x 12" tank floor about 1"-2" thickness, which is costly buying the small bags from Fish-shop. Cheers Davejey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FindingNemo Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 Ive used beach stones before with no problems, I did wash them for quite a while though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustcooktea Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 I've used greywacke stones from a place that sells metal. It cost me $2 for a bucket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marktrix Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 In Auck I went to Stone & Water World - they do bulk stones/ garden gravel etc - they are the people that supply some LFS... I got 25 ltr bag of brightwater for $12 - So shop around & look for some builder supplies stores in your area .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livebearer_breeder Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 Theres a couple of places along the hutt river, near avalon and stokes valley, that have fine gravel. Shae Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 One thing to look for when sourcing alternative cheaper gravels is sharpness. Some gravel has very sharp edges and these can damage fishy noses and feelers as they fossick through the substrate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucid Posted May 30, 2005 Report Share Posted May 30, 2005 Hi Dave, The finer, dark gravel you saw in my tanks is from round seatoun, just a couple of shopping bags and a backpack if your brave. Or alternatively along the south coast round island bay and red rocks way. i find this stuff good as it is heavy enough for the fish not to disturb it, and fine enough for the catfish and fossickers to rummage through. Also the churning motion of the sea has rounded it al nicely and it is fish safe :lol: B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davejey Posted June 5, 2005 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2005 Thanks everyone for your advice; I finally got some sand and gravel as well as a few stones of different sizes. Took me half a day to wash the silt out and then what was suspended in the water I just siphoned the tank empty and filled her up again. Now its surprisingly chrystal-clear with my two 8" goldfish (from my pond) "as happy as larry" Cheers Davejey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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