What Subsrtate Will Work with a High Flow Rate?

[aquaventions]

I'm going to have a 100 gallon fancy gold fish tank with a flow rate of 10. There will be three 2" drains evenly spaced along the back wall, and no overflows.

My concern is that either sand or 3M ColorQuartz will get sucked into the drains or that gravel will get caught in the Ryukin's mouth or scratch it's scales.

What do you think?

 

[Redearsunfish]

I would hesitate using any substrate that is a: too fine or b: too sharp - for goldfish - As they constantly vaccumm the bottom for food. I always employ a medium to medium small, round edged gravel, in a color that in no way resembles the food I feed them, i.e., I use a lime green or similary bright color.

 

[aquaventions]

I would hesitate using any substrate that is a: too fine or b: too sharp - for goldfish - As they constantly vaccumm the bottom for food. I always employ a medium to medium small, round edged gravel, in a color that in no way resembles the food I feed them, i.e., I use a lime green or similary bright color.

Where would I find the gravel you use?

 

[Redearsunfish]

I get mine at Petsmart, Topfin brand. Lime green.

 

[aquaventions]

I would hesitate using any substrate that is a: too fine or b: too sharp - for goldfish - As they constantly vaccumm the bottom for food. I always employ a medium to medium small, round edged gravel, in a color that in no way resembles the food I feed them, i.e., I use a lime green or similary bright color.

I just got off the phone with 3M. Their S grade is about the size of play sand, spherical in shape, and coated in ceramic. Their T grade is an 11 or 12 mesh size, is crushed quartz making it angular, and ceramic coated.

I now have less concern about the T grade since the ceramic coating should provide some protection for the goldfish.

Would you happen to know if a 11 or 12 mesh substrate can pass safely through the gills and digestive system of goldfish.

They do sell their product in different colors. Can goldfish differentiate color? I have heard that blind gold fish have no trouble eating.

 

[Redearsunfish]

The way I look at is like this, I try to do everything I can to keep them from eating the gravel. Sand will pass I think right through the fish, i've seen it happen with my plecos.

Not sure if the fish can see in color.

In any event, my goldfish do so much gravel pecking, I always play it safe. Just me... I'm sure your set up will be fine.