Gravel Differences

[LoachOrgy]

Hello All,

I am wondering about gravel size and such bc this weekend I am changing the substrate media in my tank. Really I think I just need some expert advice explaining some of the differences to me. I have looked at every gravel at all the local lfs's with no luck. Not even big al's!

I have been told several times that my gravel is somewhat abbrasive to the barbels of the loaches. I have used this gravel for close to 2 yrs with my alpha loach and I havn't ever noticed any injuries.

In my other tank, the gravel is roughly the same size and texture. I did notice a torn barbel on one of my corys for the first time. This cory has lived on this gravel for more than two years and this is the first occasion that I have noticed it.



The red gravel in my tank is roughly about this size and texture. I was wondering how this gravel is any less abbrasive on the barbels? I guess it is slightly more rounded in loachmom's tank but near the same size.

loachmoms gravel


what i really want is some gravel like these two pictures. i couldn't find any this texture anywhere local.
ashleighs gravel

vancemans gravel



which would you consider a better texture for loaches from these pictures?
Is this smaller gravel in curtis's tank a better size. I find that my loaches don't seem to mind the gravel size. they pickup the pieces and dig alot. I would love to make life easier for them with this smaller gravel.

Most of the local gravel around here is just like the red gravel I have but painted different colors.

Right now the combo is going to look something like these pics below but with some additional gravel like curtis's on top spread randomely.



I am just interested to hear some opinions on this matter. Does anyone think that I should just add the sand and the larger rocks and see how the loaches react to it before I add more gravel.

I also think that adding the smaller gravel on top of the sand may make things a bit difficult to separate once I upgrade tanks.

[Mad Duff]

I think a lot of the time it does come down to personal preference, a lot of people will only use sand but I have only used sand a couple of times before and to be honest I prefer gravel.

I think the finest gravel you can get hold of would be best, really small fine gravel tends to be very smooth and shouldn't damage the fish. I use really fine gravel and then add pebbles and cobbles to it for the loaches to dig around

[LoachOrgy]

thanks duff,

i called the local petco and petsmart and their website has similar gravel. but they said they don't carry it at these locations and that they cannot order it. they also said that the only colors they have are bright colors such as purples and such. I have almost come to the conclusion that there isn't much variety in these woods when it comes to fishtank gravel. i mean I have visited over 10 different lfs in the area with no luck!

[loachmom]

Hi LO,

The gravel that I have in my tank is Estes Spectra Stone in the natural walnut color. It seems to be coated with something clear that makes it a little smooth. I paid about $3.50 per 5lb bag.

I really want something a little finer though. I'm searching for it now.

Hope you have good success finding what you want.

[Mad Duff]

thanks duff,

i called the local petco and petsmart and their website has similar gravel. but they said they don't carry it at these locations and that they cannot order it. they also said that the only colors they have are bright colors such as purples and such. I have almost come to the conclusion that there isn't much variety in these woods when it comes to fishtank gravel. i mean I have visited over 10 different lfs in the area with no luck!

This is a long shot but would it be worth while trying a builders merchants or something similiar, I would think that someone out there uses or can get hold of fine gravel.

[Ashleigh]

Curtis gravel

You've got the names mixed up The gravel I use s silica based gravel, I would have assumed that you could have got it at any big retailers, it seems a bit unfair that they are unable to order some in for you even if they do carry it at other stores
Have you thought about ordering online? Foster and Smith seem to carry quite fine gravel as does this site http://www.aquariumguys.com/aquarium-gravel.html but postage may be a bit of a problem

Ashleigh

[LoachOrgy]

yeah i don't really want to pay the shipping on gravel being that it is very heavy. looks like its about 5$ for 15$ of gravel. I mean i have sand. i may just wait it out till something arrives. Even big al's told me they can't order more. They said it is on order already but they don't even know when it will arrive. The guy told me it could be a week, it could be a month. He wasn't sure. I have tried contacting local sandblasting equipment retailers and such but havn't had any returned emails or contac yet.

[loachmom]

LO,

I think those stones in the mesh bags look really, really nice. I can't wait to see your tank when it is done!

[Littlelady]

Like Mad Duff said, it is very much a personal preference thing. I love sand in my tanks and only have one tank ( out of 7 ) with part gravel in - so I am probably not the best person to give advice because it would be bias
However, if you already have the sand, and those lovely stones, and can't find gravel youlike anywhere at the moment, then perhaps it would be an idea to go ahead and set it up with what you have and see how it looks and how you feel about it. You can still add the gravel if you find any you like afterwards, and sand is very easily syphoned out if you absolutely hate it.

I am sure your loachies and cories will soon let you know if they like it or not...(just wait until you see them with their noses in the sand and their 'tails' in the air snuffling about)

At least that way you can have experienced both ways (gravel only and sand only) and can make an informed decision about what you think is best!

[LoachOrgy]

well, i havn'te ever had the chance to try sand. today is my first time. right now I have pulled out 1/3 of the loach gravel and rinsed about 5 cups of sand out. Is it ideal to do it 1/3 a day or could I do it all in one night?

[joitoy]

I think you could do it all in one night but I held off and did it in thirds to be on the cautious side. I didn't want the water to cloud. One thing, if you rinse your sand in a bucket, don't do full buckets of sand at a time. FIll with sand only to the halfway mark. The more sand you wash at once, the longer it feels, and your hands will thank you if you do it in smaller portions. It's easier to take a break and stop too.