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	Used Gravel
pugperson Fish Addict Posts: 877 Kudos: 953 Votes: 293 Registered: 16-May-2003	I recently acquired a used 20g tank. The seller threw in the gravel that was in the tank. I am debating whether or not I should use it, or is there any way to make sure that no nasties are introduced into the tank if I do use the gravel. Or would I be better off to just chunk it and buy new? The gravel is black with some multi-colored gravel mixed in. I find that I prefer natural colored gravel myself. Any advice from all the sages out there in FP?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
jasonpisani Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 5553 Kudos: 7215 Votes: 1024 Registered: 24-Feb-2003	I would buy new gravel. Do you consider using sand?. http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/s8xi5heh/my_photos http://www.deathbydyeing.org/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/ Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970. http://www.maltaaquarist.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
Hoa dude_dude Mega Fish Posts: 957 Kudos: 888 Votes: 72 Registered: 28-Dec-2004	I dunno, you might wanna boil it so you can get rid of germs or something..
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003	Used gravel is fine. If you did nothing to support the biofilter during transport you'll want to boil it and wash it well to kill any nasty buggers that might have been in the tank. Then treat it as new gravel and re-cycle. If you don't want it in your tanks, then dont bother with washing and boiling... used gravel works very well with houseplants . Use some as top gravel in houseplants, mix with soil for those that want a more rocky soil. "You know you're addicted to fish when..." you have aquarium gravel in your garden ^_^ [hr width='40%']"Put your soul in the water, And join me for a swim tonight"
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
pugperson Fish Addict Posts: 877 Kudos: 953 Votes: 293 Registered: 16-May-2003	Thanks for the information. I am still unsure of whether or not to use the gravel, but if I do, I will be sure to rinse it well and boil it.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	pugperson Used gravel is perfectly fine to use I use it all the time over the years. The reason being it was mine and I knew it was clean. Unless you can gurantee the gravel is 110% safe toss it out it is not worth the worry. If there is something wrong with the gravel it could be very costly. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
lowlight Enthusiast Posts: 166 Kudos: 94 Registered: 03-Apr-2005	I agree with the cleaning of the gravel. In my opnion, I would get the kind of gravel I like.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
divertran Fish Addict Posts: 784 Kudos: 469 Votes: 165 Registered: 14-Nov-2004	It is ultimately going into a tank that YOU are setting up and therefore should be set up to your tastes. While cleaning and usint the gravel would be ok, I'd get the natural gravel that I would prefer
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23
harleysiber Fish Addict Posts: 591 Kudos: 554 Votes: 47 Registered: 11-Aug-2003	Babel, please don't tell me we're starting up that post again, because my list of reasons has gotten so much longer. If it's not what you want, don't bother. Too much work for something you won't be satisfied with. I happen to like black gravel (besides in my planted tanks), but that's my taste... we are all entitled to our own. Gravel for a 20g is cheap enough anyways-- Unless you go for expensive Flourite like me.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:23


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