Crushing Gravel

[Randi]

I currently have black aquarium gravel in one of my tanks. I would like to have it closer to the texture of sand. So my question is: Could I possibly crush the gravel in some way. Is the color only on the outside of the rocks? Is there some kind of coating on aquarium gravel that I would be destroying by crushing it?

 

[Kelly-Jo]

There is usually a coating on the gravel in the form of dye, paint or something similar. So potentially, you could lose the colouration by crushing the gravel. The only exception I can think of to this would be if the gravel is naturally dark in colour and has not been coated with anything. Do you still have the bag that the gravel came in, because it should tell you on it.

How are you planning on crushing the gravel?

 

[James9114]

i think if you did crush it which is highly doubtful i think the particles would definately scratch your glass if you get it trapped while cleaning the glass

 

[Randi]

Looked at the bag, the color is a coating and I don't want to scratch the glass. (I was planning on putting it in a bag and smashing it with a hammer) Guess cheapo me is going to have to spring for new substrate.

 

[Kelly-Jo]

I think that's the best idea as it would be extremely difficult to get an even grain size by crushing the gravel. It would most likely turn to dust and larger lumps which would take forever to settle in the tank. I think it's wiser to spend a little on new substrate rather than risk clogging up your filter. Kudos to you for your inventive idea though.