A while ago, a guy in a fish store was telling me about a special freshwater aquarium gravel that eats bacteria like feces and regurgitated fish parts (which I always find hidden after my catfish barfs up half eaten feeders which causes fungus I just got done curing) and actively promotes a sanitary aquarium. Has anyone ever heard of such a gravel, or can suggest any brands that can do this type of thing?...Cosmetics are not an issue, optimal aquarium health is top priority.
2007-01-18 14:53:29 · 7 answers · asked by danetab 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
any gravel does that... don't get ripped off. A small to medium gravel is a good subtrate for a tank. If you plan to have plant, there are certain specific type of aqua soil.
but don't forget to clean the tank with periodic water change and gravel siphon. No gravel can take place of that.
2007-01-18 15:00:51 · answer #1 · answered by professorminh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never take for granted any thing someone in a pet store tells you.The best gravel is fairly small grain size,3 or 4 mm, and any gravel must be cleaned while doing water changes. Python is a good gravel cleaning system.Painted gravel doesn't have the surface area needed for a healthy bacteria bed. The other thing needed for good bacteria is oxygen. Hope this helps.-----PeeTee
2007-01-18 15:10:31 · answer #2 · answered by PeeTee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first answer summed up my opinion. I would just like to add a comment about the shopkeeper. Always remember that they are in business to SELL, not to answer questions for free. Make sure you have adequate depth of substrate, the deeper the better(unless your running an under gravel filter system), meaning more room for bacteria to grow and live. Vacuum the gravel thoroughly to keep all the big things out.
2007-01-18 15:54:53 · answer #3 · answered by Redneck 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravel is for decoration. Filtration is for bacteria and waste removal. The ultimate for filtration is the Wet Dry system and you can use regular lava rocks that you get from the hardware store. This is what the ocean uses, why would it not be the best for your tank. (I would suggest crushed coral, but only for fish that love high PH. coral will jack the PH acid and will kill most species)
I think the guy was trying to sell you some high dollar junk.
2007-01-18 15:56:27 · answer #4 · answered by dbmack13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it truly is going to get rid of a few yet no longer adequate to be a difficulty. even as doing a water substitute you should continually vac the gravel. do no longer sparkling the clear out interior of days of vacuuming the gravel and replacing the water. I in no way sparkling the clear out except it truly is getting plugged with mulm.
2016-11-25 19:36:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
people that work in pet stores are weird -- i don't trust them for anything. the internet is full of knowledge they dont have. learn to run in and out of pet stores. if you don't you will have a house full of bettas and other small animals you felt sorry for.
2007-01-18 15:12:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah there is but is just gravel mixed with carbon of ammonia chips
2007-01-18 18:29:11 · answer #7 · answered by dustmaster69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋