Gravel ok for aquarium?

[prr]

I have a ton (well, not literally) of pea gravel that a business delivered--it was made for laying in a yard, but I didn't use it all.

I'm wondering if I can put it in an aquarium, stocked with red African dwarf frogs, and probably fish as well--would there be any problem with this? Or should I just stick to products specifically marketed for aquariums?

[BigPoppa]

I was told you have to rinse and rinse and rinse this kind if gravel many many times before you can use it in your aquarium.

[scotchbonneteater]

I've used some large pebbles and yard gravel in my new tank, I've boiled them before putting them in and made sure there are no sharp ones as I am going to put Cory catfish and pleco's in soon, I have still retained some sandy areas for the fish that like sand.

[cuckoochews]

+1 to BigPoppa... Pea gravel will work out fine if cleaned till all dust is out or else your tank water will be cloudy yellow for weeks.

[Lady Hobbs]

I see no reason patio stones can not be used with a couple of rinsings.

[bignellm]

I've used yard grade pea gravel in my 10, with 0 incidents because of it. Not an issue long as rinsing precautions are done.
+1 to Hobbs.

[PeterH]

I have yard grade pea gravel in my 30 gallon, it's fine, though it does take forever to wash out the sand and dust.

Pete

[mermaidwannabe]

You'll need to rinse it a little at a time in a colander until the water runs completely clear. I suggest doing this outdoors, using a garden hose, so all the dust that comes out doesn't clog your sink drains.

Just make sure there aren't any sharp pieces that can cut fish. I would imagine this looks more natural in aquariums than some of the store-bought gravels, but that's a matter of personal taste.

Some of the commercial patio stones or flagstones may have had transparent sealers sprayed or brushed on their surfaces, and that may be toxic in an aquarium. Also, not real sure what some of the ornamental garden stones are really made of. But ordinary pea gravel should be fine, as long as it's thoroughly cleaned.

-- mermaidwannabe

[prr]

Thanks to you all. OK I will use this (after thoroughly rinsing it, of course) on my next aquarium.