i hate gravel

[the big kahuna]

i couldnt figure out why my 180 was alwaqys so cloudy i have 3 aquaclear 110 i use the python gravel vac to change 40-50% water every week. i also use the diatam xl filter every month to polish the tank my tank isnt overcrowded nor the fish overfed. i couldnt understand the constant cloudiness so i removed all the gravel and used large slate rocks to line the bottom of the tank....the result crystal clear water that seems drinkable i didnt realize how much dirt and other crap gravel holds. has anyone else experienced this?

 

[Blocks09]

i couldnt figure out why my 180 was alwaqys so cloudy i have 3 aquaclear 110 i use the python gravel vac to change 40-50% water every week. i also use the diatam xl filter every month to polish the tank my tank isnt overcrowded nor the fish overfed. i couldnt understand the constant cloudiness so i removed all the gravel and used large slate rocks to line the bottom of the tank....the result crystal clear water that seems drinkable i didnt realize how much dirt and other crap gravel holds. has anyone else experienced this?

yep, my old tank was like that. now i use pool filter sand

 

[devder1]

yep, my old tank was like that. now i use pool filter sand

i would think thAt would be worse?

 

[Blocks09]

i would think thAt would be worse?

nah it's actually very clean because it's heavy enough (i have the #20 size) and doesn't allow the waste to seep in like gravel w/spaces in between does

 

[Goanna]

i would think thAt would be worse?

With fine grain sand the dirt just accumulates on top of it instead of getting into the substrate like if you used a course gravel. So you can easily siphon or net the dirt right off the top of the sand.

 

[Louie]

Have you considered those black "shiney" backyard type rocks they sell at home depot for gardens, also sold in pet stores as "gem" rocks at way higher prices for small bag?

I like them as they look nice do not hold waste . I lay one layer flat on tank bottom and move the water a bit and easy as pie to siphon it out or have filter suck waste.

This tank isnt set up yet but will be this weekend but you get the idea of rocks I mean. Granted for planted tank its no good but for just fish its great and round not abrasive for cory cats,etc.

You have to place one at a time in tank thus big pain lol takes 100 times as long as gravel but in 30 to 55 gallon tanks like mine its no big deal for you it will take time .

 

[Blocks09]

Have you considered those black "shiney" backyard type rocks they sell at home depot for gardens, also sold in pet stores as "gem" rocks at way higher prices for small bag?

I like them as they look nice do not hold waste . I lay one layer flat on tank bottom and move the water a bit and easy as pie to siphon it out or have filter suck waste.

This tank isnt set up yet but will be this weekend but you get the idea of rocks I mean. Granted for planted tank its no good but for just fish its great and round not abrasive for cory cats,etc.

You have to place one at a time in tank thus big pain lol takes 100 times as long as gravel but in 30 to 55 gallon tanks like mine its no big deal for you it will take time .

i thought about it, but for my 150, it would be too much $$ lol

 

[Louie]

i thought about it, but for my 150, it would be too much $$ lol

lol yes I sometimes forget most do own tanks larger than 55 gallons .

I plan to myself one day

 

[Blocks09]

lol yes I sometimes forget most do own tanks larger than 55 gallons .

I plan to myself one day

you can find them cheap on craigslist
i found mine on there

 

[Knowdafish]

This is one reason why UG filters rock! Crystal clear water!