Substrate for my new 300 gallon

Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
OK, looking for some advice or ideas. The 300 gallon that I will be getting has 2" river rock as it's substrate, w/Dovi in the tank. The Dovi will be going into my 135, and was going to use the 2" rock in there.

What type should I use in the 300. I will be putting my collection in there which consists of several different Amphilophus, some Parachromis, a couple Umbee's, bottom feeders, etc. I want to put my Tiger Loaches back in with the group, which rules out the 2" river rock cause they like to burrow when searching for food. I have sand in my other 135 grow out, and even the little guys cause the sand to go everywhere.

Any cool and unique ideas out there? That 2" river rock does look cool.

:scratch:
 
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hbluehunter

New Member
In my 300 I just switched to 200lbs of Lapis Luster sand, now that I have it I wish I would have switched sooner. Plus looks cool when you add driftwood and rocks to it for more of a natural look.
 
Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I know it looks AWESOME. But do you have Large Cichlids in it? Im afraid with the large Cichs just swimming fast will move the sand everywhere, then I will end up with bare spots.

Hmmmmm :scratch: But I agree. It does look nice :spoton:
 
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hbluehunter

New Member
Actually this sand isn't bad, it doesn't get stirred up like alot of the real light stuff. This is a little heavier than most sand so the fish don't kick it up so much.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
in my 400 i went with a combo of lapis luster and the white gravel thats about the same size that mike at aquarist world uses and sells.

it makes a bright semi natural substrate that glows at night with blue moon lights.

and dont worry about bald spots on the bottom. my fish constantly move the substrate to how they want it and always seem to clear off one spot or another. if i fill it in when vacing the gravel and they move it later. ive given up.
 
Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
I heard that you can buy the lapis luster at Home Depot for way cheap. Is this true, and what should look for/ look out for?
 
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Anonymous

Guest
i havnt seen it there. but there is a place in tukwila that the LFS go to.
i allways want to call it "man made minerals" but i get laughed at because thats not it.
its on monster road kinda next to 405 by renton.
really cheap!!!
lots to choose from.
there is a whole line of lapis luster from filter sand up to what i bought.(cant remember exectly what i got by name)

how r the babies? 3rd batch just hatched. gonna call Rapps and see if he wants some.
 
Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
The babies are doing great. A couple of them are really growing fast.

Is the name of that place called, Manufacturer Minerals?

I found this article regarding the lapis luster they sell. Here is the website. Do you know about this, and can I get a bit of your experienced opinions on it.
http://www.gsas.org/Articles/1997/pres9702.html
 
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hbluehunter

New Member
Yea, that's the place i got mine.. I think i grabbed 200lbs for under $35.00 :punk:
The one i got was size C1, or maybe 1C i can't remember..lol, But fishaddict is right they have a whole line of Lapis Luster, so lots of choices to choose from. :)
And VERY clean also, i did rinse mine but i do have to say i really didn't need to, even when i did rinse it i didn't get much out of it.. :)
 
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hbluehunter

New Member
Forgot to mention the one bad thing. They're only open mon-fri until 4 or 4:30.. :(
Was kinda a pain in the A for me because i had to take a half day off work so i could go and get mine.. :( But i think you're closer than i am, was like a 2 hour round trip for me.
 
Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Damn, cost you a bit more with time off. But thanks. I will have to go check them out. C1 huh? Do u have a pic of what that looks like?
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
manufactured minerals is the place. (now maybe i will remember the name)

hbluehunter is rite though i had forgotten they cloes so early. if your there after 4 they will be shuttin down for the day & tryin to get out the gate by 4:30.

great selection and killer prices.

i got 400lbs. for a little over $100 as far as i can remember.

im gonna have to head back down there when its time to set up my empty 400.
 
Madness

Madness

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Just went there today. Picked up 550 lbs of substrate, 3 diff types, for $107. The LFS sells it in bags of 25lbs for $15, a total of $330. :affraid:

HELL YA, the prices are AWESOME!!!!!! :cheers: :punk: :spoton:
 
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