Activated Carbon as Substrate

nagukush

nagukush

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Jan 1, 2008
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Hi Friends !

I'm desperately searching for a Black Sand Substrate for my new Frontosa Tank (to sprinkle it on top of the White Sand - to give the Salt & Pepper look) but I cant seem to get it anywhere here in India. Just wanted to know if its ok to use fine grains of Activated Carbon as a replacement for the black sand.

I understand that it will adsorb a lot of stuff at first and may leach it out after sometime, but after that wont it become deactivated and inert ? Wont it be safe then ?

Kindly guide me friends, as I'm desperate for that look.
Thanks and Regards
Kush
 
I don't think that would be a good idea. When it does start leeching out everything it has sucked up over time it might be toxic to your fish.

you can't order something online?
 
Thanks for caring and for the kind reply. I can place an order online but the internation shipping cost for such an heavy package would be HUGE ! Kindly guide me if there is any other way - I mean can I get the normal black gravel and crush it to smaller particles ? Any other ideas ?

Kindly advice and Guide me...
Thanks and Regards\Kush
 
Some people say it will leech the stuff it has absorbed back into the water after awhile,and some people say it won't.I have no idea if it does or not.

I personally would not use it because it is very light,and will float around in the tank if gets stirred up.
You could possibley order or look for this.I bet the shipping on it would be outrageous though,
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=8976

If you scroll down there is a picture of the sand.It is more black and white than the gravel.
 
And it doesnt leach stuff back into a tank- that is an urban myth which needs to be refuted time and time again on fish forums across the net :-(
 
sorry for aiding in the spreading of myths :duh:

i don't know much about india, but there isn't anywhere you can find some type of black sand-like substance? what do you have at your disposal?
 
Activated carbon is used in industrial chemical processes. Once it gets used up, they run it through high pressure and temperature to recover it, and this is the only way it will leach out.
 
I have used it before and still do with no side effects other than the fact that if its stirred up it will float some. Pre-rinse it and weigh it down by letting it soak for a few hours prior to placing in your aquarium.
 
there isn't any type of black sand that you can find in India like a natural source not a store?

kinda off subject but ever since my sister visited India i have been wanting to go there and see the beauty and the wonderful culture.
 
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