SW gravel used in FW?

[NikkO]

Would it be harmful if i were to use crushed coral or washed beach sand for gravel in my tank? I want my tank to have pure, natural gravel in it and I would obviously wash it thouroughy before i put it in.

[daveedka]

I don't consider myself an expert so you will probably get more complete information from someone else, but it boils down to this. Most marine substrates effect PH, especially coral or Dolemite, This is a needed effect in a marine tank. It would probably not be impossible to use them in an FW tank,but would be very difficult. There are several natural substrates on the market for freshwater tanks, check Big Al's and aquariumsupplydepot.com. You shouldn't have any problem finding a FW substrate that will fit your needs. Most LFS's I have been in don't carry anything but colored gravel for FW, but there are plenty of natural substrates out there.

[RTR]

daveedka is leading you in the right direction. Part of your answer will depend on what you are planning to keep in the FW tank. I use "marine" substrates (crushed coral, aragonite, etc.) in FW for fish such as Rift Lake and certain Central American Cichlids which come from hard alkaline water, I also use such in low-level to very low-level brackish water where the low level additions needed for low specific gravity might not quite do the job again on pH support I would like.

For routine FW tanks I would not use these substrates as they will chronically increase the hardness and pH of the aquarium water. There you will want inert substrates which will not affect the water chemistry.

HTH

[NikkO]

well, im most likely to put discuses in the tank and some others. So, I would be better off jus betting gravel meant for FW tanks?

[RTR]

Yup, you want inert material which will not affect water chemistry at all.

[superjohnny]

Originally posted by RTR
daveedka is leading you in the right direction. Part of your answer will depend on what you are planning to keep in the FW tank. I use "marine" substrates (crushed coral, aragonite, etc.) in FW for fish such as Rift Lake and certain Central American Cichlids which come from hard alkaline water, I also use such in low-level to very low-level brackish water where the low level additions needed for low specific gravity might not quite do the job again on pH support I would like.

For routine FW tanks I would not use these substrates as they will chronically increase the hardness and pH of the aquarium water. There you will want inert substrates which will not affect the water chemistry.

HTH

wow, great answer.

Small river rock works & looks great in freshwater aquariums. Flourite & Onyx sand are nice for planted freshwater... do a search & you'll find lots of info on this.