Gravel for Planted Tank, sources other than LFS

[aukc]

Hi,


Is there shop that sell cheaper gravel that can be used in an aquarium beside the LFS? Any information is welcomed.

[pipsqueak]

I think aquarium shops are the only ones that bring in gravel...you could try nurseries...but dont raise ur hopes too high...i went to the ones at upp thomson rd and didn't see any gravel suitable for a planted tank.

And if you do manage to find gravel else where, be sure to check that they do not dissolve in the water, which affects the water chemistry. Ideal substrates would be rounded ones, not sharp edged as these will damage the growing roots, and barbels of bottom dwellers. I made the mistake of not checking and bought 25 kg of "sharp gravel".

And besides, all things come at a price...

[sherchoo]

I find the lapis gravel already quite cheap. Used 2 packs for my 4X2X2 tank whick cost about $50. Fert should be more of a concern..... Juz my opinion

[aukc]

Thanks for the information.

I surfed the net and found out that gravel " RMC pacific" type in paper
bag is from the USA. I saw some post and website in the USA saying that
they go to sand dealers / construction material suppliers to get their sand.


Regards.
KC Au

[aukc]

Just to add, There are also people using potting mix and top soil as the fert with is a fraction of the cost of those expensive fert from LFS. Is there any recommendation for using potting mix instead of using aquarium fert.

Thanks.

[Simon]

the lapis sand found in most lfs is cheap and suitable for use in a planted tank.. most of us uses it.. if u wanna try an alternative fertilizer, u may wanna try Aquatic compost

[tawauboy]

unfortunately, diy is not popular in singapore.
otherwise, there will be lots of alternatives.

otherwise you'll need to find a rocky river. and you'll be able to dredge all the river sand you'll need.

[vinz]

Search the forum for "Aquatic Compost". Lots of info available.

[juggler]

I wonder what is the type of sand used in the children's playground.

[stormhawk]

juggler, i think those are normal quartz sand that they dredge up from the seas around batam and bintan. by the way, any idea where i can get fine sand? i'm thinking of recreating a fine sand biotope tank for a shoal of pygmy corys

[benny]

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On 2/15/2003 12:59:11 AM

juggler, i think those are normal quartz sand that they dredge up from the seas around batam and bintan. by the way, any idea where i can get fine sand? i'm thinking of recreating a fine sand biotope tank for a shoal of pygmy corys
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Stormhawk,

Be careful when you use sand. Some affect pH. I think the grade 0 extra fine and powdry white sand may not be suitable for cory tanks because they may affect pH and also clog filtration quite badly if disturbed.

I am now trying out the riversand from Aqua Colista for my cory setup. Also very fine, but not like the fine coral sand. It's slightly beige in color and does not affect pH. S$12 for a 10 kg pack. Bought it at Lor Harlus.

Alternatively, I have seen two types of sand (riversand anc coral sand?) in clear polybag for sale at C328 polyart for S$8 per 5 kg pack.

Cheers,

[stormhawk]

benny, thanks for the tip. i read somewhere about fine sand particles clogging up filter intake pipes. anyway i intend to get those sand particles slightly around 1mm in size. hopefully they're chemically inert so my pH doesn't suddenly jump up.

[benny]

Dennerle's gravel is 1 - 2 mm. Definitely inert.