Gravel?

[Hxoxoxoxoxo]

So I have white sand, white gravel, and plant substrate in my fish tank. I want to remove the substrate as it's always polluting the tank. I hate it!
 
 
I need to also buy some new gravel, but I don't want to pay the ridiculous price of tank gravel. If I go to B&Q and buy the bagged paving gravel, can I use that instead?
 
I'Ve sen this one, as as I'm going to be doing my drive soon can't i just use this???
 
http/www.diy.com/nav/garden/garden-d-cor/decorative-stones-chippings/gravel___chippings/Pastel-Pink-Decorative-Stone-Large-Bag-10797508?skuId=11288214
 
Thanks!
 
Hxoxoxoxoxo
View attachment 76111

 

[Byron]

First thing to consider is what fish do you intend keeping in this tank?  And second, are live plants intended?
 
Fish are important because some may be substrate feeders (catfish, most cichlids, etc) and sand or a very fine gravel that is smooth is best.  With plants, they will root easier in sand or a fine gravel, some can manage in pea gravel (so-called because the grains are about the size of a green pea).  Anything larger than this causes other issues, as food too easily gets down in chunks and fish can't get to it so it can cause issues.
 
While I like the gravel in the link, I personally would not use this in a tropical aquarium as i think it is too large.  There are inexpensive options though, as aquarium gravels/sands are expensive as you mentioned.  I use play sand, which is not rough, multi-coloured so it looks natural, and my substrate fish seem to do very well.  My corys and cichlid are always sifting it through their gills.
 
Byron.

 

[Hxoxoxoxoxo]

First thing to consider is what fish do you intend keeping in this tank?  And second, are live plants intended?
 
Fish are important because some may be substrate feeders (catfish, most cichlids, etc) and sand or a very fine gravel that is smooth is best.  With plants, they will root easier in sand or a fine gravel, some can manage in pea gravel (so-called because the grains are about the size of a green pea).  Anything larger than this causes other issues, as food too easily gets down in chunks and fish can't get to it so it can cause issues.
 
While I like the gravel in the link, I personally would not use this in a tropical aquarium as i think it is too large.  There are inexpensive options though, as aquarium gravels/sands are expensive as you mentioned.  I use play sand, which is not rough, multi-coloured so it looks natural, and my substrate fish seem to do very well.  My corys and cichlid are always sifting it through their gills.
 
Byron.

 
Thank you very much for your reply Byron. I am planing to have just gravel in the tank as I find sand to be too much of a head ache especially when it comes to water changes and general maintenance. However I do see your point, I don's have many if any bottom feeder fish, most are mid / top level. I have seen a 8KG bag of gravel for £11 on offer for £19 if you buy 2, so I might just get that, it is small gravel, approximately about 3mm in size. 
 
Thank you for your reply, and I hope you had a great day today!
 
 -Hxoxoxoxoxo

 

[Byron]

That gravel should be OK as far as size.  I used to be a gravel paquarist, for 20 years, before I was convinced to try sand.  I wish I'd done it sooner.  Sand is not much different, and I have certainly not found any problems.  It does allow you more options, but that is your decision.  Just want to ensure you have thought it through, as changing the substrate in an established tank is a lot of work; I know, I did all my six tanks three years ago.
 
Cheers,
Byron.