fine gravel OK?

[fruppy]

Hi folks. I've had aquariums my whole life. But I've never had a fancy goldfish aquarium before. Thanks to the internet, I'm able to do lots of research before setting up my goldfish tank.

One thing I've noticed though, there seems to be little agreement about what to do with the bottom of the tank. I'll probably have a few river stones and pebbles with some fake plants. But I haven't decided whether or not to keep the bottom bare or have a thin layer--1/2" or so--of fine gravel or good marine sand (silica).

Am I wrong or does that Estes marine sand cost about $4 a lb? And what's wrong with a thin layer of fine gravel?

 

[stezatois]

generally what you do with the bottom of your tank is more for asthetic value, more about what u like than for the fish. I have a variety going on in my tanks, sand in one, bare bottom in another, gravel in one and marine sand in another one.

 

[THE V]

Whatever you think look's best is what you need to get. Dark mixed colors usually hide waste better and make the goldfish's color appear stronger.

 

[crimsonmoon]

i would go with black estes marine sand although pool filter sand is cheaper lol

 

[kj5kb]

Whatever you think look's best is what you need to get. Dark mixed colors usually hide waste better and make the goldfish's color appear stronger.

I have "all-purpose" gravel in my GF tank...about $4 per 50 lb bag. You can find it near the concrete (not the landscape area) at your local home depot/lowes or other DIY place...

It's mixed river gravel. looks dirty in the bag, but quite nice once washed. More natural looking than black sand...or even pool filter sand.

I started off with pristine white quartz gravel....that lasted about a week before I changed it...think about it:silly: