What does fine gravel look like?

Okay so the substrate I currently have is just basic smooth white gravel and I’ve decided that I wanna change it in the future to something black. I’m gonna be getting cories in the future too so it’ll be a chance for me to get the best type of gravel for them which I’ve heard is fine gravel but I can’t seem to find that anywhere. Closest I can find is pea gravel and I don’t know if I want to go the sand route yet. Anyone know where I can get some black fine gravel?

 

This sort of thing works fine...(two of my aquariums with Cory have it in black and no issues at all)

Micro Gravel | Unipac Aquatic Substrates | Aquatic Decor

 

This sort of thing works fine...(two of my aquariums with Cory have it in black and no issues at all)

Micro Gravel | Unipac Aquatic Substrates | Aquatic Decor

Unfortunately I can’t get it from there since I’m not in the UK but I’m trying to find something similar to that online right now, thank you!

 

Unfortunately I can’t get it from there since I’m not in the UK but I’m trying to find something similar to that online right now, thank you!

I would think it shouldn't be too hard to find something similar in the states, but i also don't know how popular it is overall. Black sand is another option out there if you don't have any luck finding what you want.

 

I have 10 cory cats and use black diamond blasting sand from tractor supply. $10 for a 50 pound bag and it’s really pretty! I washed/rinsed it Many times in a big bucket before adding. My corys do really well in it and have long, luxurious barbels. Oh…it’s in my little 3.5 gallon shrimp tank too.

 

I have 10 cory cats and use black diamond blasting sand from tractor supply. $10 for a 50 pound bag and it’s really pretty! I washed/rinsed it Many times in a big bucket before adding. My corys do really well in it and have long, luxurious barbels. Oh…it’s in my little 3.5 gallon shrimp tank too.

Do you have any problems with the bacteria thing that gets under sand? Also any problems with rooting of the plants since I’m going for a heavily planted tank

I would think it shouldn't be too hard to find something similar in the states, but i also don't know how popular it is overall. Black sand is another option out there if you don't have any luck finding what you want.

Thank you. I think I’m gonna go with the black of the same that I already have since it’s safe for cories just not the finest material.

 

Do you have any problems with the bacteria thing that gets under sand? Also any problems with rooting of the plants since I’m going for a heavily planted tank.

No yucky bacteria…the BDBS stays looking great. I use root tabs and my plants are going gangbusters!

 

If concerned about nasties under the sand, buy the biggest turkey baster you can find in the supermarket.

I have them for my sand and micro gravel aquariums....great for spot cleaning where the gravel vac does not reach and also good for puffing the subtrate to get rid of trapped gasses and detritus.

Sand/micro gravel best buddy is a turkey baster

 

I have 10 cory cats and use black diamond blasting sand from tractor supply. $10 for a 50 pound bag and it’s really pretty! I washed/rinsed it Many times in a big bucket before adding. My corys do really well in it and have long, luxurious barbels. Oh…it’s in my little 3.5 gallon shrimp tank too.

Hi,

Don't mean to hijack the post, but what size grain is your black diamond blasting sand? It looks really good!!!

I know that there are different sizes...is it the 20/40?

And what kind of corys do you have?

Thanks!!!! Just trying to figure out my next tank!

 

Hi,

Don't mean to hijack the post, but what size grain is your black diamond blasting sand? It looks really good!!!

I know that there are different sizes...is it the 20/40?

And what kind of corys do you have?

Thanks!!!! Just trying to figure out my next tank!

Thank you so much! I got the 50 pound bag of medium grit BDBS (linked below). I have 6 dwarf has bros us cory cats and 4 false julli/3 stripe corys. I have lots of stem plants too…flora and fauna doing great!

 

Thank you so much! I got the 50 pound bag of medium grit BDBS (linked below). I have 6 dwarf has bros us cory cats and 4 false julli/3 stripe corys. I have lots of stem plants too…flora and fauna doing great!

Thanks!!!! I will bookmark this thread!

 

Just wanted to let you guys know I finally made the change! It was pretty tedious but it worked out and I love ittt. The before is the white and then the after is the bdbs.

 

That looks great!