Rocks and gravel from Walmart?

[Shazamo]

Any reason to not buy rocks and gravel from Walmart? Their gravel is ~$13 for 25 lbs and small rocks are, I think, $2 for a 1 lb bag.

 

[TekFish]

Depends entirely on what it says its made out of, and what you're trying to do with it. If its limestone rocks, you won't want to put those in a softwater tank. Same if the gravel is crushed coral. If it's silica sand, you won't be able to grow plants with it without additives. Can you give us any more info about the gravel and rocks?

 

[WillLaw]

If the gravel is actual aquarium gravel, and by a recognized manufacturer, I don't see a problem with it. I sometimes buy food, water treatments, and decor at Walmart if I'm there already, if they actually have a brand I'll use, and don't want to take the time to order online or make another stop. I probably wouldn't take a chance on Walmart fish, however.

 

[Byron]

There are even less expensive alternatives.

River rock, which is rounded pebbles of differing sizes, can be purchased from quarry or landscape supply outlets for literally a few cents. I pay 75 cents for a full bucket of river rock. As for substrate, if you want sand, play sand is ideal; if you want gravel, you can find that at some landscape outlets.

As TekFish mentioned, when purchasing make sure you know what the material is composed of, and what you need. Some of these things can significantly alter water parameters.

Byron.

 

[StandbySetting]

A quick way of determining as to whether or not rock will change your water chemistry is to drop a weak acid on it, vinegar or lemon juice - if it fizzes avoid it.

 

[Byron]

A quick way of determining as to whether or not rock will change your water chemistry is to drop a weak acid on it, vinegar or lemon juice - if it fizzes avoid it.

Generally works, but sometimes the acid needs to be stronger to tell. Vinegar or lemon juice are very weak acids--after all, we do digest them. The Regent #1 or #2 of the API nitrate test is an acid, sorry I cannot remember which it is now, it's been so long since I posted on this subject, but one of them does work. Same reaction, a fizz means calcareous. Mind you, this is only a test for calcareous rock/gravel, meaning one composed of calcium mineral.