Black Gravel

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows where I can buy black gravel for my tank. I am from the Vereeniging area and these LFS's don't want to help me. I have given them my number several times with no luck.:suspicious:

Also, does anyone know if the black gravel is dyed that way, or is it real black crushed rock?

At the moment I have the cream color gravel and don't like it that much. Think the black gravel will look much better with my plants.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

Hmmnn... black gravel and how to locate it... 3 kinds available that I know of... 1st one is by Marltons and comes in 1kg bags - your LFS is rather pathetic if they cant order it from them,because i dont hink I have been in a LFS that do not stock anything from them

2nd type I have seen is "made" by a private guy... just 3 to 5mm Silica gravel that has been spray painted Black(and other colours) - stinks like a paint factory,but surprisingly is fish safe...

3rd is what is known as "Midnight Black sand" - but here you have to be carefull - some people are "clever" and package that black grit they use as the grit in sandblasting - that has far to sharp edges and will rip bottom dwellers mouthparts(Cories) to shreds....

Why not spend a bit more and get the Seachem Flourite Dark sand...its dark grey and if you want to go planted - will help out with some nutrients for your plants...

 

Jip, our LFS's want money but not the job that makes it unfortunately. Isn't fine sand bad for plants in general? How much are we talking roughly for about 40kg?

I have a 5 foot tank. Should be enough. I really do not know the prices for these as no one here helps much. Any other color substrate and you're fine. But black...

Thanks for the reply.

 

The Marlton's black one is going to work out rediculously expensive(buying 1kg packets....)... Superfine sand(Reggies playsand) is not great for plants,yes(too fine - not enough oxygen to roots)...but fine sand is perfect - think Pool Filter sand grain size... that's a great size for planted subtrate...

Unfortunately I dont know the LFS's in your area at all,so cant direct you to one.... sure someone on here should be able to help out though...TASA members do get around in the pursuit of their hobby...he,he

 

LOL! I will have to get to a decent LFS in the Joburg area. Most people I spoke with over the years direct others in that direction. Will have to bite the bullet with the investment. Luckily it doesn't happen every month.

Just an itch I have to scratch... You know how it goes..

 

I currently have 18Kg of Carib sea bio elite substrate black in my discus tank which is causing peppering. So I am gonna have to sell it soon. I'm in cape town though.

 

I'm not familiar with 'Peppering". If I may ask what did you pay per kg?

 

Caribsea was more expensive than the Seachem flourite. It was R400 for a 9 kg bag. Will be happy if I can get half that ...

 

Petstop has the black silica for around R100 a bag looked like 5kg ,I am sending a energizer to golf park in henley in the week or next week ,you want some ?

I mean jeez I am sending a whole corsa bakkie to deliver one appliance ?Lol

 

Well I had the oppurtunity to check out my disscuz while they were in qurantine @ Altums place prior to me purchasing it and it had no peppering with the exception of my big big pigeon blood. He actually got worse in my tank with black substrate. They were also in a holding tank @ my place while my main tank was maturing and exhibited no peppering. I am convinced it must be related to the substrate.

 

O ok. Now I learned something new. Thanks for the info. So this does not happen to other fish species?

I am thinking of changing my setup completely. Going to take on a big project with lots of plants and wood. This has been done by a lot of people and I will definitely need help in some areas.

Thanks.

 

I was warned before hand but also wanted the black backround and black substrate look, to pop the fish colours. I have two pigeon bloods. The other fish that I chose I specifically chose for their black fins, but I suppose they have pigeon blood in their genes as that is also a trait.

Now all that substrate has to go ... Just hope it helps till I get my new tank

 

where can I buy the Seachem Flourite Dark sand in CT?

 

Saw it @ Sams and Panarama

 

Yes I totally agree with Azurikoi, he is spot on.

 

I would also like the seachem one. Havnt seen it yet i like the darkee substrate

 

Ah, I didn't know there's a type that can damage bottom feeders! I bought mine at petmasters in boksburg and it wasn't cheap.
Is there a way u can tell by looking at it if its the unsafe kind?
I wanna get a couple of cory's for t betta sorority.