Drainage

[INTHEFLESH 00]

I wanted to put some rocks or sand at the bottom of the drainage tray for my VFTs simply for aesthetic value. What kind of rocks or sand should I use that wouldn't affect the water in the dish or the soil?

Thanks

 

[BigCarnivourKid]

I would recommend either washed quartz gravel or silver sand. The sand is can be found where ever they sell pool filter sand or blasting sand. The gravel I have only seen in peoples landscaping and I don't know where they got it from

.

 

[Tamlin Dawnstar]

There is also a synthetic product sold by aquarium supply stores which is inert, and also attractive. You might try such dealers.

 

[biggun110]

Hi Intheflesh,

Be very careful with aquarium gravel. Alot of it has limestone in it and that would mess with your water. You might want to buy a small bit of each of the gravels you like and then put them in separate containers with RO/distilled water and then test them after a time (2-3 weeks say) with aquarium KH and GH test kits (water hardness) or with a tds (conductivity) meter -- the more expensive but more thorough approach. Might give you a real idea of the chemical effect on the water

Bobby

 

[Ozzy]

You can also use silica pebbles.

 

[BigCarnivourKid]

A quick way to test for limestone is to drop a few pieces of gravel into some vinegar. You may have to let it set for a few minutes, but if bubbles form on the gravel, it has lime or other alkaline substance in it.