I was curious if anyone knew a reason that pea gravel would be unsafe to use for substrate. I would be sure to clean it very well but I'm not aware if maybe there would be a chemical or molecular issue. I'm asking cause as we all know 150 lbs of gravel at the lfs isn't cheap and you can get 50 lb bags of pea gravel for less than $4. I have a friend that uses it but his approach to fish keeping is "if it dies it dies" and I very much prefer my fish alive. Thanks
Pea Gravel for pygo tank?
- Thread starter knox_rbp
- Start date
if its construction grade just make sure you rinse it really well. I would assume that is the only difference between construction and aquarium. the aquarium is more then likely seperated first and rinsed and bagged. Where as the stuff at construction places has been loaded and unloaded many times with a bulldozer bucket and has lots more broken peices and powder/dust.
before you put it in your tank take a small sample of them if available and test to see if it'll effect your water parameter. if it doesn't then just make sure you clean them really well then you are ready to go. I was going to use them in my tank but then I like the darker color of an all purpose gravel I found in Lowes, less than $15 bucks for 200lbs of it. and I ONLY WASHED THEM FOR SIX HOURS then I GAVE UP and let my FX5 do the rest..lol
Pea gravel is all I use, I was a little nervous the first time, but it is so cheap and looks natural. I have also used river rock, it looks realy cool but you should still use a little pea gravel to fill in the nooks and crannies so stuff doesnt collect and get forgotten about