Black quartz substrate safe?

[huizhong]

Hi everybody, I would like to ask a few questions.
1) How many types of black quartz/sand are there?
2) What is exactly the name and brand of these black quartz/sand if there are more than 1 type?
3) do they affect water parameters such as ph gH or kH?
4) need to soak them for a long time before adding into existing tank with shrimps?

I am thinking of adding black quartz into my tank because I like the shiny black appearance. Any bros here had use it and know something about this? I would like to gather some feedback. Thank you so much!

Cheers

[shawnc9]

I got a related question regarding this topic too, so I thought I would post it here to consolidate the discussion.

IMG_2095.JPG

This is the gravel which I'm currently using. It looks like a mix of black quartz with some other quartz gravel.

It does not seem to break down or expire like soil, and did not seem to affect my water parameters (not entirely sure on this)

It threw up a lot of fine particles when setting up, so the LFS recommendation is to lay a newspaper and fill the water over it.

If any expert here can identify it, do let me know.

[kennethc]

I am using to carpet my tank. Its pretty nice to look at. I added with some ADA soil. They go well together. (:

[hyun007]

I still remember the time when I have to wash the black quartz until the water is clear and filter out the tiny bit particle.
All worthwhile as the Fire Red looks stunning in it.

[huizhong]

I still remember the time when I have to wash the black quartz until the water is clear and filter out the tiny bit particle.
All worthwhile as the Fire Red looks stunning in it.

absolutely agree with you on this part that the red colour looks very nice. i only rinse the black quartz and added into my tank. now the ph rise by 0.1ph.
hope it won't mess up my ph too much. now its around 6.65ph liao. keeping fire reds and crs.

[felix_fx2]

please use a good filter, black quartz that i use before look ugly when "shit happens"

[hyun007]

please use a good filter, black quartz that i use before look ugly when "shit happens"

Indeed! It is almost impossible to siphon and hence a good filter is necessary.

[huizhong]

please use a good filter, black quartz that i use before look ugly when "shit happens"

What do you mean by this? Explain leh.

[felix_fx2]

What do you mean by this? Explain leh.

poo poo is dark brown.. kept before a tank like this (well i setup i do W/C but it's at GF's office)
Black quartz, marimo balls, 4 sakura, some spiky moss, using a cheap hob filter....

damm ugly the shit... and i say SHIT HAPPENED !

[huizhong]

Oh... I thought the shit will disintegrate over some time and not seen by our eyes as it will sink into the gravel bottom? Isn't what this will happen if we use soil? Not same?

[Navanod]

Quartz is glossy compared to soil, so the layer of brown dull poo will be very obvious, especially against the front glass.
I also could not get most plants with roots to grow as they could not grip the quartz.

[felix_fx2]

So it is sink to gravel bottom or disintegrate?

You can experiment, use sudo sand with few feeders. Use a hob filter fast results

[gryphon]

Maybe can try using under gravel filter connected to HOF or canister. This will help to slowly clear the shit when they go down into the gravel

[hyun007]

Oh... I thought the shit will disintegrate over some time and not seen by our eyes as it will sink into the gravel bottom? Isn't what this will happen if we use soil? Not same?

It will remains as particles and can be a sore in the eyes.
In the soil it is camouflage but not on quartz as quoted by Navanod.

A good filter is hence important.

[Garry]

If anyone need Black Quartz, I do have some for sale as I got 14KG of it with me now, just offer me and let me know how much you need.
Sms me at 82889987,

Thks.

[wind88]

Pretty hard for maintenance.

[diazman]

So it is sink to gravel bottom or disintegrate?

You can experiment, use sudo sand with few feeders. Use a hob filter fast results

Did that setup with sudo sand. and all hell broke lose