Crow

Hi
I bought gravel from landscape yard. It seems to have come from clay environment. I have washed, soaked and rinsed about 8 times now and still get dirty water. I really like the colours of it and would like to use it if I could. Does anyone have a better way to get it clean faster? I am using a lot of water.
Thanks

Stitcher

I think aquarium gravel is coated so the gravel your trying to clean is going to keep releasing powder forever.

AngelSta

Did you get this gravel from a fish shop? This gravel might be unsafe for fish and release harmful chemicals into your tank water-resulting in dead fish :P.
If you did get it from a fish shop go and ask them what is wrong with the gravel, if you didn't go and ask them if this sort of gravel is ok to put in aquariums.
It's probably better to buy some new gravel (from a fish shop just to be safe!! ) then putting your fishes lives in danger.

griffin

are you sure it's gravel and not small chunks of clay? i've used a lot of different types of substrates (mostly not from petstores, but from lowes/home depot type places) and it's all been fine once rinsed.

as long as it doesn't affect your water in a way you don't want it to, it should be fine.

vin

I also wouldn't rely on the word of some guy who's not in the aquarium business as to whether or not the gravel is safe....Afterall, his business is, well, gravel......

Crow

Thanks guys & gals

I have kept washing it and appear to be making headway. I even asked a geologist if there is a fast way. She told me that the water will draw any clays out of the tiny pores in gravel. It just that I have so much to clean! So I have gone with the "no pain no gain" mental processes to keep me going. Slow and steady wins the race so perhaps ultra slow and is the road to my victory. Heres hoping. Let you know when I'm done.
Thanks.

COBettaCouple

Too bad you can't stick it all in a giant can & leave it in niagra falls for a few days, huh? I'm glad you're making progress with it and wish you good luck in getting that stuff clean soon. It'll be worth it when you're looking at that finished tank.

Butterfly

I buy pea gravel in bags from lowes and it's always dirty like that (yes its safe). After i rinse it several times I find it helps to let it soak over night then rinse and let it soak again. It is quite a job but worth it
Carol

Crow

Hi
Thanks Carol.
I have kept going and I think I have it clean enough now. I will attempt to fill tank later today. I am sur it will still be a bit cloudy but I will let it settle over day or two. Hopefully then I am in business.
Thanks

Butterfly

Sounds good
Carol

sick-lid boy

I've also used pea gravel purchased from Home Depot. Takes a whole lotta washing, but once it's clean, it looks very nice. A big bag for less than $3 is more than enough for a 55 gallon tank. You could try hooking a hose to the spigot on a hot water heater. Hot water should be quicker to dissolve any clay still in the gravel. But if you've already got it licked, good luck on your tank.

Isabella

I would also watch out for possible calcium content in the gravel. It can increase the pH way too high for freshwater fish.