Anyone have any experience with this gravel?

[pinkertd]

Hi everyone,
I'm thinking about changing the gravel to something smaller in my planted (low tech) show tank when I am forced to move it in order to have new carpet installed later this summer. i don't want sand or the learning curve that comes with it. It took a lot of trial and error to be successful for the long term with maintaining plants/water/fish/feeding/maintenance. Some of my existing gravel is really larger pebble size that I hand collected years ago along the North Carolina beach. I've fine tuned what grows successfully in this tank and would like some smaller gravel for the plant roots. I came across what is called Carib Sea Peace River Natural Gravel on the aquariumpros.com website. Carib Sea says it is natural gravel 1/16 to 1/8 inch diameter. Describing it as an inert, natural substrate (unusual coarse sand size with rounded grains), recommended for freshwater planted aquariums at a grain size of 1.0 to 2.0 mm. I think I would like this, just hoping it doesn't pack like sand. Anybody have any experience with this gravel?

Thanks!
Debbi:)

[Nolapete]

That' looks identical to what I have in my 110. Mine isn't carib sea but it is inert and works great with plants. I have mine mixed with Eco Complete at about 40% Eco Complete / 60% Inert Natural Gravel.

[180gz71]

Hi everyone,
I'm thinking about changing the gravel to something smaller in my planted (low tech) show tank when I am forced to move it in order to have new carpet installed later this summer. i don't want sand or the learning curve that comes with it. It took a lot of trial and error to be successful for the long term with maintaining plants/water/fish/feeding/maintenance. Some of my existing gravel is really larger pebble size that I hand collected years ago along the North Carolina beach. I've fine tuned what grows successfully in this tank and would like some smaller gravel for the plant roots. I came across what is called Carib Sea Peace River Natural Gravel on the aquariumpros.com website. Carib Sea says it is natural gravel 1/16 to 1/8 inch diameter. Describing it as an inert, natural substrate (unusual coarse sand size with rounded grains), recommended for freshwater planted aquariums at a grain size of 1.0 to 2.0 mm. I think I would like this, just hoping it doesn't pack like sand. Anybody have any experience with this gravel?

Thanks!
Debbi:)
That is is exactly what I searched for and found. If u can find it get it. You will not be disappointed as long as u arent in favor of the darker substrates. It is very uniform in size and as far as I can tell it doesnt really compact, but still a little early. Gives a nice natural look, and rinse the heck out of it and u wont have cloudiness probs.:headbang2:

[pinkertd]

Nolapete and 180gz71 - thanks for your replies!
180gz71....This tank is a 72G bowfront discus tank so I am looking for a light substrate since dark ones bring out peppering in the discus. If you can post some pics of your tank, that would be real helpful. Your plants are growing fine in it? Does it feel like just a real fine gravel rather than sand? I'm excited to have found this too.....just worried to buy such expensive substrate without having a lot of background on it. I think I will need 150 lbs of it.

Debbi:)

[180gz71]

Nolapete and 180gz71 - thanks for your replies!
180gz71....This tank is a 72G bowfront discus tank so I am looking for a light substrate since dark ones bring out peppering in the discus. If you can post some pics of your tank, that would be real helpful. Your plants are growing fine in it? Does it feel like just a real fine gravel rather than sand? I'm excited to have found this too.....just worried to buy such expensive substrate without having a lot of background on it. I think I will need 150 lbs of it.

Debbi:)
I just recently post pics in the members tank pics section. 180g planted discus redone. Yes it feels like a light fine gravel not sand. My glossostigma is already taking off in it also.

[pinkertd]

180gZ71 - You did an awesome job!! Your first set up looked great, but the redo is even better! I went "huh?"when you said you had discus too. I'm really worried about how to take this tank apart and keep the fish, the plants and my bacteria all alive and happy when I have to move them all. Sometimes ignorance is bliss and the more you read about other people's nightmares...the worried-er you get! I was going to ask people to walk me thru this on the SD forum. Since you've done it, perhaps you'd consider guiding me through it. How long have you kept a planted discus tank?

Debbi:)

[180gz71]

180gZ71 - You did an awesome job!! Your first set up looked great, but the redo is even better! I went "huh?"when you said you had discus too. I'm really worried about how to take this tank apart and keep the fish, the plants and my bacteria all alive and happy when I have to move them all. Sometimes ignorance is bliss and the more you read about other people's nightmares...the worried-er you get! I was going to ask people to walk me thru this on the SD forum. Since you've done it, perhaps you'd consider guiding me through it. How long have you kept a planted discus tank?

Debbi:)
I started my first one about 3 yrs ago. Lots of trial and error. I didnt even join a forum until a few months ago. So youve got a head start. HEre goes: The way i did it was- Took 3 55 gallon barrels, filled one up then caught all fish and put in w/ airstone running. Then siphoned more out and filled up 2nd barrel. Then I carefully remove all the plants and placed them in another tank I have(just keep them wet). I didnt remove the existing gravel, I just added a 1 1/2" layer on top. Once all plants and decor were removed, I cleaned and added new gravel. I also previously drew a rough draft of the aquascape I was going for(it really helped alot). Then place the hardscape(rocks, wood) Then plant away. I also turned off all heaters so that when I return all water I wouldnt have to worry about temp difference. Okay, after plants and decor were in, I added 2 of the 3 barrels of water back(left the one with fish in still standing). I waited till the next morning and captured and returned all fish, then added remaining water. Im not real good on explaining, but if u have further q's u can pm me anytime and I can help. The main key is relax and enjoy the process. Good luck.