Substrate question

[Kaiden]

Hi everyone!

I'm planning on setting up a 150 gallon some time next week. I was thinking of using black sand or maybe crushed lava rocks on it. The tank will hold probably 1-2 Oscars and 1 BGK (maybe). Which do you think would be a better substrate to use for the inhabitants?

Also, where's the best place to buy them? So far, I've only seen the CaribSea Tahitian Moon sand for the black sand but they're a little too costly if I'm going to use them on a 150g ($20/20lb bag + shipping). Haven't seen a crushed lava rock substrate anywhere but I've heard of them. I'm just looking for something safe but inexpensive.

Thanks!

 

[jpac716]

3 bags of black diamond from tractor supply would work there are quite a few people on here using it I am picking some up my self next weekend.

 

[Kaiden]

I live in Long Island, NY and I'm afraid we don't have Tractor Supply anywhere near us. Too bad the item says 'In Store' only...

By the way, just out of curiosity, I've been reading about blasting sands and I've read conflicting things...Some say that since it's iron slags, it could have sharp edges. My main concern is since I'm thinking of putting a BGK in my tank, it's going to be hovering near the sand most of the time. Will it be safe for bottom dweller fish like it? Also, my Oscar hasn't shown any interest in landscaping his tank before but if (hopefully not) he starts taking on that hobby, will digging through it cause any injury to his mouth?

Thanks!

 

[Slippery K]

You can use pool filter sand aswell, not sure if it comes in black though.

 

[Kaiden]

I originally wanted to get a pool filter sand but I couldn't find it in black. Thanks though.

 

[Jloco]

Over time you will have wish you stuck to gravel sub


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[jpac716]

Sand blasting media works fine just make sure it is only coal slag anything is harmful to them there are different kinds of this stuff another one people use is called black beauty they sell it on amazon.com

 

[jpac716]

Sand blasting media works fine just make sure it is only coal slag anything is harmful to them there are different kinds of this stuff another one people use is called black beauty but I'm not sure who sells it.

Delete please double post

 

[SeanMcCormick]

I have found success in using Estes PermaColor Quartz. I purchased at a local construction store in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. A tip, after you you rinse the substrate and add the water to your tank, it took around 12-24 for it to settle.


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[zoohouse]

^^^agreed if you can find it, its is much better than blasting media.