Caligo'sKeeper

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has used Carib Sea "Instant Aquarium" Gravel before? I used it in my new tank (30 Gal. started 3 days ago) I still see brown particles everywhere in the tank, and the water isn't cloudy anymore but it's not crystal clear either? is this normal? Does this stuff actually work? (It claims it cycles quickly, safely and you can add fish in 20 minutes. ) I haven't added any fish and don't plan to til I'm sure it's cycled. I haven't gotten a positive nitrite or nitrate reading from it, it stayed cloudy for the first two days... I don't know if that means anything? How do I know if it really works? I've been adding food for a day or two to see if it cycles... anyone?

Thanks

aquarist48

Good morning. Caligo...I've never used this product. Hopefully you'll get some responses soon from someone that has.
Ken

ps
If you would...it would be a great help to other members if you will create a post in the "reviews, misc. reviews" section of the forum once you see how this product works. Thanks!

lorabell

hey there...I'm not one with tons of experience..lol..lol..however I did use this product with VERY GOOD results.I was very happy and overly excited...(pre-fishlore) I did add fish right away with not one casulty..they did awesome!!!! I used it in my 55 gal BRP tank I also had used prime. The only drawback I found ....was the expence,where I am it was more than $20 a bag, future tanks will have pool sand and only because of that expence or I would definitly use it again..the great thing about it all the available colors

sirdarksol

Sounds like you're doing a good job of testing to see if it truly cycles the tank.
Does the stuff come packaged in water, or is it dry?

Caligo'sKeeper

It comes packaged in water (the bag was heavier than I expected LOL) Thanks for your replies, I'll probably test it this afternoon-- I have to pick up some more test strips, and I'll update this! Good idea about the review, once the fish are added I'll be sure to write one!

harpua2002

CaribSea's Eco Complete makes the same claim, and is sold wet as well. I'm very skeptical about their substrates aiding in nitrification, but am interested in your test results. Good luck!

Caligo'sKeeper

Well I tested it yesterday and it was 0 amonia 0 Nitrite 20 Nitrate... so I guess it is cycled, although I did also use used filters from my other aquarium and added flake food...

aquarist48

Good morning. According to your readings it does sound like you are cycled. However, by seeding the tank with filters from your established tanks it would be hard to say if the product in question actually did the cycle or the used filters cycled the tank. hmmmm ? Possibly a combo of both?
Congrats on a fishless cycle! Hope you can share some photos when you have time
Ken