Gravel

**Jadenlea** · 09-01-2011, 08:51 PM

Hi guys,
I am new to the forum. I just joined today. Years ago I was enthralled with aquariums and due to where I lived stopped with that hobby. I have recently purchased a new tank and am collecting all the parts to set it up and reading about all the new things that have come out.

My question is about gravel. I have been to every fish/pet store in my area and scoured the internet and I cannot find any gravel that I like! Does anyone have links or ideas for more unique gravel.

I had found a gravel that I loved http://www.novalek.com/archive/kas4.htm the Jade beach one and then found out they no longer make it. I love the natural look with the green stones mixed in, but I don't like the plain old natural gravel. I
also love the polished glass but that is out of my price range. I guess I like that smooth shiny look of the polished rock and glass. I do not like the bright colored regular gravel

Any ideas?

**enzof9** · 09-01-2011, 09:01 PM

Your choice of substrate is beautiful, it looks like chunks of bronze and steel. I can imagine that looking great with any kind of sober decor. I saw something very similar at an area Big Als before. Did you try one of their locations?

**Jadenlea** · 09-01-2011, 09:13 PM

Hi Enzo,

I have never heard of big Al's so we must not have one in my area. I checked their website and I don't see it.

I had a thought. I do a lot of beading and there are some gemstone beads that come in chips. Fancy jasper, agate, ect. I wonder if those could be mixed in with some natural gravel to add color? I have no idea if those beads are treated with anything to make them more attractive. Anyone have thoughts on that?
Something like these http://www.firemountaingems.com/shop...EADFANCYJASPER

**Critterstruck** · 09-01-2011, 09:45 PM

Petco has a pretty nice selection, if you're looking for color: http://www.petco.com/N_24_4294956558...avelSubstrates

So does Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=...nid=2975446011

If those beads are just plain stone, that ought to be okay. Otherwise, I really can't say. I would be hesitant about putting unknown contaminants in an aquarium, if you suspect they might have some kind of coating, but it sounds to me like they are just polished stone.