Re: ph, gravel, and filters

[Ken Laidlaw <K.Laidlaw@roe.ac.uk>]

Hi,
You can do a simple test to see if the gravel you plan to 
use will raise the pH/hardness of water.  Put a small 
sample in a glass and add vinegar to it.  If you see 
vigourous fizzing of bubbles then the gravel contains lime 
(or some other substance) which will leach into the water 
and raise the pH.

I use childrens play sand in my tanks.  This is available 
in toy stores very cheaply.  20kg cost only 3UKP (~5USD).  
It needs very thorough rinsing but after that looks good in 
the aquarium and perfect for the small mouths of Apistos.  
They like to chew it up and sift it through their gills in 
search of food.

An alternative is silica sand which you can probably buy 
cheaply as swimming pool filter sand.  I haven't used this 
but hear it is OK.

Ken.

*****************************
Ken Laidlaw
UK Astronomy Technology Centre
Royal Observatory, Edinburgh
Web: http://www.roe.ac.uk
*****************************




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