I am also looking for cheap substrate ideas.... What do you think about using the lava stone gravel....maybe crushed up a little better. I am starting two large tanks this month and the price of the "good" stuff is daunting<g>. Terry Barber _______________________________________________ AGA-Member mailing list AGA-Member@thekrib.com http://lists.thekrib.com/mailman/listinfo/aga-member