Creek Bed substrate?

[Mac.]

Hey guys, I work at a fish store with 200+ tanks. In our planted section, I recently found out that substrate that was pulled straight from a creek bed was used. Everything seems fine, but I was wondering if anyone else has ever used this?

Question 2: If it is a usable substrate, do you think it would speed up the cycling process at all or would it need to be cleaned first because of runoff? The basic composition of it is small pebbles and sand.

 

[Dreamsofpeace54]

debris and contaminants will be a part of your gravel bed. the substrate would need to be cleaned and cleaned and cleaned thus removing much of the beneficial bacteria. unless the creek is pristine in condition, no trash, clear water i wouldnt use it.

so yes you can use it, if the creek is good.

cycling process, not so much. maybe a little.

 

[Mac.]

thanks, just wondering because it looks real nice and the plants seem to love it