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Re: Gravel
Hello Dennis:
> For years I have been using "fine red flint filter gravel" that I purchased
> from pool supply stores that is normally used as a filtering agent in swimming
> pools. I have always had great success with this stuff.
>
> Today I visited 3 different pool supply shops and none of them had this red
> flint any more. Instead they all were selling silica sand for swimming pool
> filters. From my understanding this is the same consistancy.but is silica
> not red flint.
>
> Has anyone used this stuff? Is it as good as the stuff I used in the past?
> Is it safe? And what possible adjustments will I have to make if I switch to
> the silica?
I've been using the silica sand (5cm) in a 50 l tank since 1992. If
its like the stuff we get here is South Africa, it'll be very dusty,
which you'll need to wash out. Also mulm collects on top and needs to
be cleaned off regularily. It seems to be good for Cryptocorines
especially. I'll be recycling whats in this tank to form 2.5cm layers
in two 50 l tanks on top of a soil/vermiculite substrate as soon as
I can collect some red soil for the bottom layer. My only complaint
is that its a bit pale, but then so is all the other aquarium gravel
up here.
Jacques
___________________________________________________
Jacques Gerber
Botany Department
Rhodes University
Grahamstown
6140
South Africa
Dept Tel#: 046 6038596
Dept Fax#: 046 6225524
Home Tel#: 046 6225000
___________________________________________________