Home Depot gravel question

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
jp80911

jp80911

Dovii
MFK Member
Mar 7, 2008
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I'm thinking about using the gravel from Home Depot in my new tank but not sure if it's going to effect water parameter, have anyone tried it before?
Did the vinegar test and there was a very little sizzling sound in the beginning (I had to put my ears really close to it in order to hear it) then that's it. is that normal?
thanks in advance.
 
I dont thinkk sizzling is normal... But, you can try cleaning it VERY well, maybe even clean or let it sit in bleach and then clean some more... After its clean, test it, should be okay... I hear about people using all sorts of gravel and sand and it works, but never can be to safe..
 
If it sizzles its either lime stone or calcium carbonate based and it will bump up the ph. If you want african cichlids go for it but amazon water is soft=acidic to neutral. you are going to have bad time trying to pin point your ph.
 
A lot of times construction materials will be coated or mixed in specific chemicals. You might not even be able to tell they are there.

Over time the chemicals will dissipated into your tank and slowly kill everything
 
thanks guys, so where can I find some good gravel cheap? (lfs is kind of expensive)
 
I think the one I tested from Home Depot is also pea pebbles (at least that's what labeled on the bag), it doesn't give off any bubbles just some very small sizzling sound for like couple seconds...I don't want to spend $150-$200 on gravel from lfs.

Might have to go with pool sand if I can't find some with better pricing, but will it get into filter intake? I worry about it'll damage my filter.
Or if someone know good websites that sells gravel cheap but shipping will probably be very expensive.
 
I have the pea pebbles in 6 different tanks with CA/SAs and Africans and have never had a bit of trouble. I just bought 2 more bags last night for my new 125 gallon.
 
Did you clean the gravel before administering the test? It may have been reacting to crap on the gravel.
 
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