Roman Gravel?

[kiriyama]

Hi, I am wondering if anyone has experience with Roman Gravel, seen it at P@H, was looking at pewter sand, said it contained silica(?), was wondering if this is safe in a shell dweller tank.
http/www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=1283&pf_id=52094&source=webgains&siteid=42096
Any info greatly appreciated

 

[ashemely]

Heya, I used Roman Gravel brand sand in my tank. I can't remember which color I bought but it was the lighter color sand that wasn't white. I had white sand at one time, and I hated the fact that it was dirty all the time. I didn't have a problem with algae, but the poo stood out way too much. So when I set up the multi tank, I went a shade darker. Anyway, hope this helps you out.

 

[kiriyama]

Cheers, just wanted to know it was safe, don't know anything about silica other than I think it's used for sand blasting(?), the name conjoured(SPELLING?) up images of silicone, it's described as pewter and its a light greyish silver, only in small bags though so will have to think about it....
Any more fry is your uber Multi having a rest , lol

 

[ashemely]

Yeah that sounds like what I bought. And I only used one small bag, because my multis don't seem to like sand around their shells. They're already digging down to the glass again. It's only in a couple of small spots, now, but I'm sure before I know it there will be sand pits again, lol. And yes, there are a couple of new tiny fry. I'm not quite sure who the Mum is of them, cuz I've seen them on the border line of two females territories. The fry don't seem to grow very fast, so I'm not worried about overpopulation just yet. I jus might need to start whispering into my hubby's ear about upgrading to a bigger tank now!

 

[kiriyama]

The way your Multis are going it will be two tanks you will need
I got some slate and placed it vertical against the back of the tank, I had a really chunky piece and it was laying flat on top of the sand, , 1 Multi had an escargot and a golden apple shell (previously totally buried in the sand), on top of the slate and was guarding them, I moved the shells, the Multi spent most of the evening still guarding that area, bonkers eh....

 

[ashemely]

I really do think that the multis like a tank with not a lot of sand in it. Which sorta makes sense because the bottom of the lake area they are found in is supposed to be totally covered with empty shells, layers on layers, too. Which is probably better for the juvenile fish and fry, being able to swim deeper into the shell bed and escape being eaten by non-family members or any other predators. I say give the poor girl her shells back on the slate. Who knows, maybe with all of the "construction" and shell rearranging your fish are so busy doing, they don't have enough energy to do the deed!

 

[kiriyama]

Lol. Going to totally change all the sand tomorrow hopefuly (less of it) get some coral and ocean rock into the filter and then give them lots and lots of peace and quiet, surely they can't all be boys or all be girls, what would the odds be? Was tempted buying 2 more but will leave them be nd just enjoy watching them wrecking the tank again lol
Fingers crossed.....

 

[ashemely]

Lol, yah mine always seem to be ticked off whenever I move the shells around, too. It's amazing how they know which shell used to be where, and then move it back to the same spot. Mine are definitely getting used to me, and the little ones don't seem to be too bothered by me, either. They're still scared of the dog, though, lol. But I can't totally blame them, sometimes the dog gets a little too rambunctious during play time and starts bumping into the table their tank sits on and, as far as the fish know, can cause earthquakes and tidal waves!

Hope the redesign turns out how you pictured it, mine never seems to. Don't forget to post up pics!