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pea gravel for plants?

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009.

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  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    gravel question
    OK I'm wondering is pea gravel good for plants and a natural looking tank?
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  2. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Sure. Currently have it in my 29.
     
    James0816, Mar 12, 2009
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  3. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    is it better then the coloer gravel that the pet store or wal-mart sells?

    Note:I mean for the plants.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  4. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    MOD_Dawn, Mar 12, 2009
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  5. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Agreed above. Gravel does not provide a benefit for plants. It's just there for asthetics.
     
    James0816, Mar 12, 2009
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  6. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    what the difference in the aquarium gravel and pea gravel?

    I have white blue and a green gravel mix and I want a more natural looking tank.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  7. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    The colored stuff is artificial stuff. Just used for decor. I'm not a fan of it all. I think they make it for kids when they talk their parents into getting a gold fish. ;)
     
    James0816, Mar 12, 2009
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  8. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Aquarium gravel costs more, looks kind of gawdy (sp) being un-natural in color, and some have a waxy like coating on them that will make your water ?filmy/oily looking when added.

    Ps. Both need rinsed. Pea Gravel will need Rinse heck of a good and looks more natural (river bottom).
    Seachem clarity will help quicken the cloudiness if your not patient and incur it and has NO negative side effects.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 12, 2009
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  9. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    OK I may just keep the gravel I have or I may change it out for pea gravel.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  10. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    lol....it's all for the look you want to achieve. Definately if your shooting for a more natural look, get river gravel or sand.
     
    James0816, Mar 12, 2009
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  11. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    where would I be able to find river gravel, and what is a good estimate on the price of it? I really don't feel like messing with sand.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  12. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Also note..if you want growth go with laterite, eco-complete..something along those lines that already have the "growth" nutrients in it.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 12, 2009
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  13. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Check with your local landscaping supply companies. They should have it there cheaper. Might have to get a larger quantity there though. I would up getting mine at PetSmart when I first set it up. Definately shoulda went outside for the pricing. ;o)
     
    James0816, Mar 12, 2009
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  14. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    OK thanks.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  15. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Pea gravel looks the same as river substrate (google it)..it has nice array of coloration between the mix of stones. Wal-mart carries it in their outdoor garden section ...the last time I bought it I paid about $ for I think a 25+lb bag.
    Just be sure to rinse it VERY well and I'd add clarity to it when I was done.
    Also, have seen it in home depot and lowes but remember it costing much more.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 12, 2009
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  16. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    OK thanks guys, how much of it would give me 3 inches?
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  17. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    pm'ing you link since I wasn't aware it has a forum attached.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Mar 12, 2009
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  18. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Another thought just came to me. Being in AZ I cant say if it will apply to you. If you have a rock quary that is mining (if that's what they call it) river rock from old dried up river beds, you could go there and check. Might be able to come out of there with a couple a free pounds.
     
    James0816, Mar 12, 2009
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  19. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    no I'm not that luckly here in AZ.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 12, 2009
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  20. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    There's a formula to give you the pounds required to give you (for example) 3" of substrate. I can't think of it though. :confused:
     
    Anthony, Mar 12, 2009
    #20
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