does home depot/lowes have gravel or filter media that i can use in my tank? how much do they cost?
gravel/media at home improvement stores
- Thread starter hle_81
- Start date
You can go to either and get the 'pea gravel'. A 50 lb. bag will run you about $4. 
Usually at Petco & PetsMart, a small bag will run you about $15 - $25. 
You can also buy river rock and stepping stones real cheap. A bag of river rock weighs about 15 lbs. and costs about $5. I've seen 6 small pieces(less that 2 lbs.) at Petco/PetsMart cost $8-$10.
All you really need to do is wash it real good to remove the sand. We use a spaghetti(sp) strainer and garden hose. We have put it in strainer and boiled it in large pot but this takes a little longer.
Usually at Petco & PetsMart, a small bag will run you about $15 - $25. You can also buy river rock and stepping stones real cheap. A bag of river rock weighs about 15 lbs. and costs about $5. I've seen 6 small pieces(less that 2 lbs.) at Petco/PetsMart cost $8-$10.
All you really need to do is wash it real good to remove the sand. We use a spaghetti(sp) strainer and garden hose. We have put it in strainer and boiled it in large pot but this takes a little longer.
I agree, much cheaper at home depot or Lowes. In addition, you can get slate there, pots, PVC, aquarium silicone etc. Just rinse it well, especially sand or gravel.
rinse all very well and this is a very inexpensive way to make your tank beautiful. you can also get lights (if you dont have live plants or fish requiring certain types of light) sometiems they have filter media like micon pads/floss .
Just like everyone already stated, I got river gravel for my tank real cheap. It's a 150 gal tank so I saved a lot of money just doing this. I also got clay pots from there for decor / hiding places for cichlids.
I have also read where people have gotten sand & pool sand for substrate there. But I'm not an expert on this. So maybe will chime in on this.
I have also read where people have gotten sand & pool sand for substrate there. But I'm not an expert on this. So maybe will chime in on this.
I found mine in the Garden Section. Just be sure to read the bag to make sure that the rocks weren't treated with any chemicals.
Instead of HD, I got my black beauty substrate (sandblasting sand) from a local equipment rental shop. Cost 9.00 for 100 pounds.
I've seen a few fishstores sell bulk gravel, so many cents a lb. One of them didn't even bother taking it out of the, um, pool filter sand bag and putting into a different container. Have heard a lot of folks mention using different kinds of sand-blasting sand.
FASTRAKR, there is a type of kitty litter that is apparently very similar to laterite. I don't think its baked as well and may be a bit messier. Never used it myself. Try a search for "kitty litter" and "substrate" together on google, or try over at the SkepticalAquarist.com -- I think WetMan has a section on it over there.
FASTRAKR, there is a type of kitty litter that is apparently very similar to laterite. I don't think its baked as well and may be a bit messier. Never used it myself. Try a search for "kitty litter" and "substrate" together on google, or try over at the SkepticalAquarist.com -- I think WetMan has a section on it over there.