Your Natural Black/Dark Gravel Suggestions

[Optimus]

I'm in the market for a dark substrate which should seem simple enough, right?

Well I guess simple enough for everyone but me. I think I over complicate things when it comes to my aquariums because I don't want to upset the balance.

Ideally I'd like a black gravel which isn't colored/coated in "safe" paint becuase they tend to fade over time. I'm setting up my new aquarium tomorrow but will wait until I get the right info if need be.

Your thoughts?
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[XanAvaloni]

Optimus, I have seen several people recommend sandblasting sand, specifically this Black Diamond stuff available at Tractor Supply and I'm sure other similar stores. Advantages: VERY cheap, very very black. Concern, for me anyway: it's made from coal slag and I wonder about its chemical effect on water and inhabitants thereof. I would love to hear from people who have used it successfully and what sorts of plants and creatures (esp. shrimp) can live on it happily.

 

[XSVaquascaper]

There is a Black substrate that Seachem makes but it is rather expensive. There is also Amazonia aquasoil but that is a little more costly then Seachem. Are you growing live plants?

 

[Optimus]

I have live plants but I should make clear that I'm not a fan of sand. I dose liquid ferts and C02...

 

[Mgamer20o0]

the quartz type stuff you can get is a lot better then black gravel at the pet stores. its a little harder to find though. there is a new brand for colorquartz or something like that.

 

[Optimus]

Cheers mgamer

But I can't use quartz as it's to sharp for corries

 

[jetajockey]

Colorquartz is smooth, its ceramic coated. I keep cories with plain quartz sand also btw with no issue at all. I really believe barbel erosion is chiefly caused by bacteria/water quality issues.

Anyhow, I digress, I bought 2 50lb bags of S grade black colorquartz a few weeks ago for bout 25 bucks each. And it looks fantastic in my new angelfish tank, ill post pics in a bit.

I plan to use osmocote-cicles or root tabs and column dose, but if you really wanted you could put some mineralized topsoil or ADA or similar down and cap it with sand.

 

[petluvr]

Stay away from it...LOL I have had two tanks with black substrate and hated them both for a myriad of reasons.

 

[jetajockey]

Stay away from it...LOL I have had two tanks with black substrate and hated them both for a myriad of reasons.

Could you explain your reasons?

I am on the total opposite end of the spectrum, I think its the best =]

Really brings out the fishes colors also.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

Anyhow, I digress, I bought 2 50lb bags of S grade black colorquartz a few weeks ago for bout 25 bucks each. And it looks fantastic in my new angelfish tank, ill post pics in a bit.

its discontinued so its becoming hard and harder to find.