Fine gravel?

[carriw]

Hi all,
I sent hubby to the shop to pick me up some black aquarium sand for my new tank and he has come back with a very fine gravel (he said he thought this was the sand as they also sold large gravel). What are your thoughts on safety?
Thanks in advance

 

[Lianne]

How fine is 'very fine'? My aquarium sand has a diameter of about 0.4 - 0.8mm. I think anything larger than that could be harmful.

 

[carriw]

How fine is 'very fine'? My aquarium sand has a diameter of about 0.4 - 0.8mm. I think anything larger than that could be harmful.

It even says sand on the receipt and back of the bag. Size of poppy seeds is the best way I can describe it!

 

[carriw]

It even says sand on the receipt and back of the bag. Size of poppy seeds is the best way I can describe it!

Maybe some pieces a bit bigger than poppy seeds.

 

[auntiejude]

Gravel tends to be rough grains, whereas sand is smooth - it's all about surface area.

I would return it and exchange it for sand.

 

[carriw]

Unfortunately they don't have black sand other than this and the other aquatic centre nearby didn't have any either. But no point putting something in that I am going to worry about.

 

[tyzoone]

Do you guys recommend black sand all around for all species? I've got some eastern newts with large gravel and it's just a mess!