used substrates

[jiggerpolebill]

have any of you used the substrate that came with a used tank? what did you do to prepare it for tank use? thanks

[ChilDawg]

I think you just bleach it, dechlorinate it in a bucket, and then use it! I don't know about planting media, though...

[Slappy*McFish]

If it is still fresh, then no need to clean it if you know it is disease free. Otherwise, to clean it just put it in a bucket of water, stir in a bottle of hydrogen pyroxide, and let it sit over night. Much safer to use than bleach and kills pathogens just as effectively.

[wetmanNY]

It's easier if you know the former owner. A yard sale might be a different story.

Questions I'd want to ask:

1. Are there bits of colored gravel I will come to regret? Are there bits of crushed coral or other limey (sorry, mates!) stuff to raise my alkalinity? Is this stuff I would buy?

2. Is the substrate completely dry? How long since this was used?

3. Has copper sulfate ever been used in this tank? Copper precipitates, but comes loose again when the pH drops, stressing your Wood Shrimp etc.

4. Were there Malayan Trumpet Snails in the aquarium? I'd hunt for their telltale cornucopia shells anyway. Now, I like Melania myself, but the difference between marriage and Melania, is that Melania is forever!(drum kit: ba-da bum). You don't want to introduce any snails unintentionally.

5. Is my tank going to be planted, so that I'd be glad of the dried organic humus in this substrate? Or do I plan to wash everything out except the coarser gravel?

What kinds of questions would other people be asking?

[ChilDawg]

That is a good set of questions, Wetman...and it sounds like this thread could garner responces fit even for the Skeptical Aquarist. :D

[jiggerpolebill]

i didnt know the former owner, but he said it was used for african cichlids. i do know that it hasnt been used for some time. its a very light granite color that i really like and think would look nice. im still not sure if im going to make it a planted tank or not. thanks for the suggestions and questions. keep'em coming!