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Re:Small 1-gallon tank
> Aquatic Plants Digest Wednesday, February 24 1999 Volume 03 : Number 868
> From: Ric Cooney <rcooney at bcpl_net>
> Subject: Re:Small 1-gallon tank
>
> Muriatic acid is about $3.00/gal not all that pricey, so not all that much of an expense.
> I usually hear that aquaricists (sp) test the gravel with the acid to see if
> there is any shells or other CaCO3 stuff in it. Could this be another
> example of misunderstanding a technique?
>
> > I am concerned about a statement he made about treating his gravel with
> > acid. What was wrong with your gravel that required treatment with acid? I
> > know that some people recommend treating calcium containing gravel but I've
> > never really understood the reasoning - if the gravel is CaCO3, it's all
> > gonna dissolve in acid, provided there is enough acid. Wash out the acid and
> > what remains will continue to dissolve in your water.
Here we use sand collected from river/sea side. Both contain shell and calcium
caronate bits. Washing with industrial (cheap) HCL removes all the shell bits
and helps keep the pH down. I noticed that in a tank with cleaned sand (no calcium)
and pH reduced with CO2 and hardness reduced with distilled water, apple snail
shells looks eroded and become rough in texture.
IMHO, if the gravel is all CaCO3 then its not suitable for aquariums.
Unless you want hard water..
Its more enjoyable with DIY gravel, tanks and gizmos than "Plug and Play" setups..
--
Raj
Bangalore, South India
http://members.xoom.com/ggrk/
Amateur Radio station: VU2ZAP