Rocks and Substrate?

[fishmomma]

Another question:blushing:

I picked up some fine gravel today at a LFS. It was exactly what I've been looking for. Nice and fine but not quite sand. However I didn't think about the fact that it is for hermit crabs til I got home. Does this even matter?? I plan on giving it a good wash before I use it.

Also, I spent a good hour knocking nice smooth rocks and slate out of the frozen ground this afternoon, like a crazy person (got some interesting looks from the neighbors:lol. And found some very nice BIG heavy rocks that would look great in the tank. My concern is that they are pretty heavy, and wondering if it would still be ok to use them. I don't want to crack the glass bottom! They are about 5" wide and 7-8" tall. nice and smooth, very pretty.

any thoughts??

 

[Lornek8]

Do you still have the packaging of the sand? What brand is it? Some sands sold for hermit crabs & reptiles are made of calcium carbonate which if placed in the aquarium will raise the pH hrough the roof. Not too bad for some african cichlids but potentially damaging for the average community tank (and most definitely for plecs).

A well supported tank should be able to handle rocks of that size however there is some danger from using "found" rocks if you can't determine its make-up. Some rocks can gradually leach minerals into the aquarium which could mess up your water chemistry. Typically the test is to place some white vinegar on it to see if it fizzes. If it does its no good.

 

[fishmomma]

Yes, It's still in the bag Brand is "Crabworx". Says: "extra fine gravel for Hermit Crabs- safe & non-toxic". Manufacturer is Hagen. Looked all over the bag and it does not say anything about calcium carbonate. What do you think?:dk:

As far as the rocks...It's a brand new glass tank, but the stand is an open top so there isn't actually anything to support the glass from underneath. Should I not risk it?

Thanks so much!

 

[fishmomma]

BAHHH! Just did the vinegar test on the gravel...it fizzed soooo no good...going to look at some playsand tomorrow and maybe mix it with some regular gravel....

An idea about the big rocks. What if I used some egg crate on the bottom to help disperse the weight??

 

[Lornek8]

I've seen eggcrate used in marine tanks before. Would help with dispersing the weight but would also reduce the flow of water through the substrate & make cleaning a bit more difficult. COuld also be a problem with sand as the reduced flow through the gravel bed could be a bigger problem as a thicker layer of sand is required to hide the eggcrate.

One thing to remember about the rocks. Heavy smooth rocks & tanks can be a problem when handling the rocks. Moreso when wet, worse when slimy. Be careful.

 

[Jackson]

Carib sea makes some nice inert small/fine gravels. It's the only stuff I use.

 

[bigbird]

the other option is silica sand, which in Australia we get in swimming pool shops. Inert and does not change anything in the water. cheers jk :thumbup: