Restarting my 2ft tank

[mtinghl]

Hi pro bro(s) out there, I just been tempted to resurface from along sleep on my fish keeping hobby. Just bought Eheim 2226 & air pump. I', reusing back my old gravel which I use to keep a terapin. Izzit still usable?? Will if be harmful to my gold fish that I intent to get.

[blink_willie]

As far as I know,most types of gravel is inert so it should be ok to reuse it.

[mtinghl]

ok roger, thanks a lot bro blink willie

[doubleace]

Hi Bro,

Welcome to AQ.

You can use back your old gravel and it wont affect your goldfish. By the way if you intend to setup your tank into goldfish tank without the gravel is better. I'm not a goldfish keeper but from what i saw for some goldfish keeper, they never put any gravel in the tank. This is just a suggestion. Hope you don't mind.

[Loopy]

I suggest a thorough rinse and soak. I had gravel that fouled on me once. Good luck and welcome back, you could not have come to a better source of information.

Hi pro bro(s) out there, I just been tempted to resurface from along sleep on my fish keeping hobby. Just bought Eheim 2226 & air pump. I', reusing back my old gravel which I use to keep a terapin. Izzit still usable?? Will if be harmful to my gold fish that I intent to get.

[mtinghl]

Thank you bro doublebleace & bro loopy for your valuable advise. I shall take up your advise & take out my gravel & keep for future use after a good wash. Have a nice day & Happy New Year 2009 to all AQ friends.

[mozaqua]

Just let the gravel soak for two weeks after you rinse it. Then it should be safe for most goldfish. If you intend to keep shrimp though, its safer to toss out the old gravel.
Yes, if the gravel is inert it does not leach minerals into the water, but it still contains organic content from the last inhabitants!
If you want to keep any fish other than guppies or goldfish be careful about reusing gravel.
I think if you rinse it after two weeks, then cover it in water, wait another two weeks it should be good to use. The bacteria should have dissolved the toxins after a month of soaking. If you only put goldfish in it, then it's probably alright since they are tough and can take the extra nitrogen until the bacteria has established itself. Just keep up on weekly water changes.

[mtinghl]

Hi bro cobolt, noted your valuable advise. Will keep in mind. Thanks a lot everyone.

[qngwn]

most gravels are of neutral pH, so doubt that it will affect the condition of the water. can wash and rinse it. if u still feel unsafe, rinse it with boling water.

[mtinghl]

Hi all, thanks for your valuable time & input. Appreciate them all. I'll rinse & put aside for future use. I have decided to go without gravel for my goldfish tank. Cheers to all.