150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

[12 Volt Man]

see this is why i dont see why you really care about what gravel you go for.. I say get a few bags of black flourite/eco complete and other half regular black gravel, do a mix and BAM you are done. This way it will be good for plants and careless for the eye

I agree. this is a great idea.

 

[WaywardSon]

I would definitely not go with lighter coloured gravel with intense lighting.

inevitably, you get algae on the gravel..even though you turn it over each week while pythoning, over time, it all gets a bit green..

I have white gravel and I hate it.. never again.

black/dark colours hide all this..

Big selling point there 12 Volt - excellent. I checked out the Estes 'black special' gravel - I am diggin' it. Thanks!

 

[Bk718]

all my plants have no problem growing in just the simple black gravel (bottom 1" layer sms).. the foreground plants also have no trouble rooting.. works for me

i believe i got the Estes black gravel but heck i cant remember the name for sure.

 

[WaywardSon]

all my plants have no problem growing in just the simple black gravel (bottom 1" layer sms).. the foreground plants also have no trouble rooting.. works for me

Okay, the feedback, videos, etc, etc - I am sold on the black - just not sure now (what a pain in the *** I know) about the bigger gravel. Is the Estes 'black special' gravel bigger also? It just kind of reminds me of a gold fish bowl (no offense - lol)!

 

[Bk718]

Okay, the feedback, videos, etc, etc - I am sold on the black - just not sure now (what a pain in the *** I know) about the bigger gravel. Is the Estes 'black special' gravel bigger also?

in your HUGE tank the gravel will look small..

another option black sand lol (lets not go there)

and you are contradicting yourself.. lol why you care how the gravel will look if you plan to cover everything in plants

 

[WaywardSon]

The black flourite should "water" down the size - no matter how big the black gravel is ...

 

[WaywardSon]

in your HUGE tank the gravel will look small..

another option black sand lol (lets not go there)

No sand ... I agree!

 

[WaywardSon]

why you care how the gravel will look if you plan to cover everything in plants

It won't be covered the first day and I have an image to keep up (lol)!

 

[Bk718]

well until its fully covered just dont look at the gravel.. but im still telling you for a tank this size the gravel will look just right.. not 2 big not 2 small

 

[12 Volt Man]

check out this comparison of black substrates. although I am not sure what 'aqua pebble' is it looks similar to the normal estes coloured gravel:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/substrate/63372-fyi-black-substrate-options-w-pics.html