gravel or sand

[gfishfan]

Does anyone have any opinions on gravel v.s. sand? I'm currently using gravel (bigger than the "standard" stuff) in a natural color. I'm into natural settings. I plan on getting some sort of driftwood as well. Sand seems cool and seems like it would keep the debri from getting lost underneath as well. Any thoughts on this subject will be appreciated.

[kevkoi]

Gravel... and LARGE smooth gravel. Sand is really a BAD idea for goldfish tanks as they compact down and become anerobic at the bottom layers.(Oxygen can't get down there.. and this breeds pathogenic bacteria.)

Sand also becomes very difficult to siphon and thus remains unoxygenated at the lower levels. When you do stirr sand up, the pong is bad enough to make you give up fish keeping for good! (Same goes for undergravel filters with goldfish!) (Sulphur dioxide.... or rotting egg smell).

Also since goldfish by nature like to grovel around at the bottom, chances are that it may dig into the anaerobic layer of sand and release any pathogenic bacteria that may survive there and unleash disease upon them. This usually doesn't happen in tropica tanks because the fish are small and they do not release as much ammonia or excretion as goldfishes.

All in all, the fish are far better off with a thin layer or large smooth rocks (small pieces of gravel aren't too good either, 'cos stupid goldfishes have been known to choke on 'em!), and if you like the natural look, get Anubias and Java fern attached to Driftwood and stack 'em around the tank. Be sure you have lighting for at least 12hours for the plants to survive. U MAY consider fertilising the aquatic plants too.

I have a bare bottom tank (ease of maintenance), with Anubias and Javafern attached to drifwood on the bottom.

good luck.

[gfishfan]

I have acess to some large smooth rocks. Well, medium sized I suppose. They're outside at the moment. Anyhow, what is the procedure for cleaning these rocks? I've heard boiling stuff sometimes encourages fungus later on. Can I just rinse them off? They look like river rocks. Are there any types of rocks that will be harmful to water condition and such?

[kevkoi]

First of all, you've got to be sure that the rock doesn't have calcium carbonate in it. Limestone/marble for instance is not suitable because it starts leaching calcium carbonate into the water and makes it excessively hard. One way to test it would be to put the rocks into the water and take pH readings over a couple of days. If the pH stays constant, the rock is inert and is good for use in the Aquarium. If the pH goes up... it's calcium based; no good.

I would give the rock a good rinse over tap water and possibly soak it in a 3% solution of Potassium Permanganate (violet coloured liquid) to REALLY kill any nasties there might be on the rock. It sould then be safe for use in the tank.

[Kcaand]

Hi gfishfan,

It's best to not even put gravel / sand as it's a place where dirt / food ...
will get trapped. Kevkoi advised me before but I insisted on getting gravel in my pond and after 2 weeks, I give up putting anything below my pond. (Should've followed Kevkoi's advice)

Should you really want, make sure your filteration system is good.

Kcaand

[Jay]

It's o.k. to use it if it's a small aquarium for a 15 - 18 inches... but need to be wash every 2 weeks... ;p