Glass Substrate?

[KathyM]

I was wondering if anyone knew much about black glass very fine "gravel" for tanks? I've seen some from the LFS that looks nice but I didn't know how suitable it is for my new tank (which will have rainbow cichlids, plecs, angels and eventually cories in)? Apparently it's not sharp, but I wanted to hear that from you lot rather than the LFS.

I normally use the smallest pea gravel, and the other option is that or sand, but I liked the contrast of the black for the cichlids and the cories I want, as sand is quite pale and the pea gravel seems to blend in a bit much with the browner cories. Any other suggestions much appreciated.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i think it'd look good.

my only concern would be some cichlids and cories like to suck up sand and 'flush' it through they're gills to clean them. would it be safe for them to do so with tiny bits of glass? I just don't know

oh and, you can get black aquarium sand, it'll cost a bit more but if it gives you the look you want I'm sure it's worth it

 

[KathyM]

I think you've picked up my main concerns, yeah. I'll have a look into black sand - never seen it at the LFS but maybe I can get it elsewhere. I'll have to get hold of some MTS again *lol*.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I think you've picked up my main concerns, yeah. I'll have a look into black sand - never seen it at the LFS but maybe I can get it elsewhere. I'll have to get hold of some MTS again *lol*.

try looking online for it. i've never seen it in lfs's either but i know you can get it

 

[BigIan]

Mts are not a problem we have LOADS!!!
I`m off to our LFS later and if i remember rightly they have some sort of black substrate, i`ll have a look at it and prices for ya....

 

[andyt_uk]

well.... glass is sand...is glass...is silica
finely ground glass should be safe, if you can run your hands through it without cutting them to shreds i should say its as safe as houses .. well as safe as little castles built out of sand anyway

 

[KathyM]

You can tell I haven't had my obligatory second coffee yet can't you?

Ian - you're a diamond (which I think is originally carbon for those pondering the geological links this morning).

 

[BigIan]

I think tong garden centre do it too.....

 

[Miss Wiggle]

You can tell I haven't had my obligatory second coffee yet can't you?

Ian - you're a diamond (which I think is originally carbon for those pondering the geological links this morning).

yup, there's companies that make people into diamonds after they've died you know. quite fancy that, when Ian's served his purpose for me I can have him made into a sparkler

 

[KathyM]

PMSL! Costs a fortune though, not worth it. Send him up the incinerator and use the ashes as compost.

 

[BigIan]

I feel so loved right now......

 

[KathyM]

LOL sorry. Seriously though, have you seen how much it costs to get turned into a diamond? I looked into it for my old dog (I can't believe I'm telling you this) and it would've cost a fortune.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I feel so loved right now......

awwww darling if i did it would only be so I coudl keep you on a necklace close to my heart forever



















I know! lmao

 

[BigIan]

better yet... don`t have me killed and keep me alive for a while so i can buy you nice bunches of flowers....

 

[KathyM]

Oh God, don't go all mushy on me you two.