pool filter sand / gravel mix?

[solchitlins]

I started by mixing some large gravel into my poolfilter sand.
The goal is to look more natural.
But it isn't looking right. Should I continue to add more substrates
or quit now?

I'm thinking more fine natural gravel or maybe alittle black or redish sand mixed in?

I like the look of fine natural gravel but I had this bag of sand left over so....
Now I think it looks dumb.

I'm keeping sa/ca cichlids. Have a huge pair of Jags now but planning on switching to smaller fish sooner or later and have a giant peice of driftwood waiting that will take up 1/2 the tank.

thanks
Greg

 

[benzjamin13]

I had that in my old tank. Looked good to me, but I used repti-sand because it's more fine. Post some pics up.

 

[mohawk]

If would try maybe some larger gravel., small river rock.,.,., and instead of mixing them.,., layer your sand out.,., then group the rocks up in patches.,,that seems like a more natural look to me.,., I think if you mix the gravel and sand.,., its just gonna look like unfinished concrete in the bottom of your tank.,., just a thought

 

[FSM]

If you don't have a lot of gravel, it will sinking into the sand eventually.

 

[freshwaterz]

post some pics.
the key to making it look natural is to get multiple granual sizes and multiple colors as well.
imo

 

[solchitlins]

The Jags were in a way too small of tank so when I bumped them up to a bigger tank I dumped all their gravel over my sand to help stop a cycle.

I didn't have time to do it right because the fish were free and in a igloo cooler.

Next time I'm thinking I will go with some gravel like this:
"deep river gravel"

wait a minute...
I just notticed "clear coated, using 100% environmentally-friendly high gloss resin. This state of the art process makes their gravel virtually dust free, and provides the best possible appearance and ease of use in your aquarium."

I dont need that, why would I want that? I want natural.

 

[freshwaterz]

i think it looks pretty good.
you may want to get some GOOD driftwood, that sinks. and widdle some pieces off to scatter on the bottom!? just a thought

 

[benzjamin13]

Looks like a lot of gravel. I did a 75/25 sand/gravel mix. Looked good. Unfortunately, I don't have that set up anymore and I don't have pics. I think it would look better if you remove some of the gravel and mix it up a bit more to have some more sand on top. But it doesn't look bad.