Walnut Gravel

tricksterpup - I'm sure the number required varies with the individual, and perhaps with the complexity of the setups, but 4 sounds a bit light for prima facie diagnosis of insanity, unless they are demanding tanks - as, 4 reefs, no question!

With planted tanks you shouldn't, or can't disturb the substrate routinely. So that option is out for maintaining sand. My unplanted tanks have shallow substrates also, which are regularly and rountinely well-vacuumed to full depth.
 
Originally posted by RTR
but 4 sounds a bit light for prima facie diagnosis of insanity, unless they are demanding tanks - as, 4 reefs, no question!
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RTR,
I totally understand the reef tank issue, I had 2 myself and room mate had one. They are beautiful tanks but when they crash, as mine did when I moved all those years ago, it will drive one to insanity. I still miss my 18 inch frog spawn i had and the giant leather in the tank.. they were gorgous

Right now, my substrate of choice is this fine red flint stone that is sold in my area. It is really nice and started to use it in a few of my tanks. It is a little bigger than course sand.
This might be the right mix with kitty litter. I may have to try it in a small tank and see how that takes.

jim
 
Originally posted by RTR
Years ago, red flint gravel was available around here, 20-30 years ago? But I have not seen it in a long time - very nice substrate.
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Showing your age here I see. ;)
I normally found red flint as a normal gravel grain size.. at this size its a nice looking gravel. But I went to a shop I normally didnt go to, since It was on the other side of town and they had this smaller finer grain. I picked up a 50 lb bag for about $12.50. A few bucks more than what I am used to for the larger grain but I really liked it and thought what the hey, i spent more on other substrates. I already have it in a tank with hornwort and waiting for some Gambusia Holbrooki. I may try this in another 10 gallon tank, with some kitty litter. I have read about the use of straight Clay litter from here in the past and never tried it, always buying Flourite. It is just one never ending experiment for me, trying new and different things.
jim
 
Trying new things is an antidote for burn-out, at least for me. At about 10-year intervals if I catch myself getting casual and careless, it is time to break down tanks and start up some other phase of the hobby.

And I have been at this longer than most folks here have been alive...I started subteen/just teen, and with some braks in school and grad school and military, I've been at it since. I just retired a couple of months ago.
 
RTR,
I totally agree with you about the burn out. I vaguely remember my first tank, got it in 71. IT was a slate bottom, metal rimmed 10 gallon tank. I have gone from fresh, to salt back to fresh many of times. I am currently into sub tropical Native and live bearer planted tanks.
And like you have seen this hobby change so much in the last 30 years. It keeps getting better and better. :)
I just wish boards like this were around when i first started.

jim
 
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