Substrate question???

[mynameisnobody]

Hello everyone, I’ve been on a journey to try to find the gravel that @Cory used in his aquariums. It looks like the perfect shade, as well as the perfect size. To this point, I’ve purchased 4 different types/shades of gravel, only to be disappointed. Whether it’s too large, too dark, too light, etc. Does anyone know the exact gravel he uses? Thank you kindly from a frustrated gravel purchaser. 😎

[Fish Folk]

On 11/5/2021 at 9:57 AM, Manny said:

Hello everyone, I’ve been on a journey to try to find the gravel that @Cory used in his aquariums. It looks like the perfect shade, as well as the perfect size. To this point, I’ve purchased 4 different types/shades of gravel, only to be disappointed. Whether it’s too large, too dark, too light, etc. Does anyone know the exact gravel he uses? Thank you kindly from a frustrated gravel purchaser. 😎

Can you provide a photo of what you’re referring to?

Here’s another thread where I inquired about a brand of activated substrate, and Cory responded saying he planned to use it in 3x of his new tanks…

 

[mynameisnobody]

@Fish Folk I screen shot this from Cory’s latest fish room tour. 
 

[AnsleyBleu]

That photo from Manny looks like the tumbled gravel they have at PetSmart. You can sometimes find in at landscaping supply rock yards labeled as Sunset Mix agates. It comes in various graded sizes. Lighting and type of tank (type of glass vs acrylic) will affect the color of what your gravel looks like at home.

[Fish Folk]

Time to call on @Cory for the answer! Might be Activ-flora, but maybe something else.

[Cory]

I believe it's spectrastone Shallow Creek. Here is an amazon link to it. https://smile.amazon.com/Spectrastone-Shallow-Regular-Freshwater-Aquariums/dp/B001OTSPDA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=VB8SA0RZOO58&keywords=spectrastone+aquarium+gravel+natural&qid=1636138248&qsid=131-5525851-5093530&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=spectrastone+aquarium+gravel+natural%2Cpets%2C125&sr=1-2&sres=B001OTSPDA%2CB0002AQXZO%2CB0002AQWB4%2CB0002AQX68%2CB002DRAXI2%2CB0002DHKI0%2CB001OTUQ4G%2CB08QRSHTHF%2CB0002AQXYK%2CB002DVRIRC%2CB0002AQXWC%2CB0002AQXZE%2CB001OTSPF8%2CB00025YVP8%2CB002DRELFI%2CB001IJGFYM%2CB0002DHKHQ%2CB0002AQX9U%2CB0002AQXWM%2CB0002AQXZ4

[mynameisnobody]

@Cory Thank you kindly! 

[Mongo_like_fish]

If you can't get your hands on the stuff Cory uses, I use Supernaturals, which I think looks very similar to the picture you posted.

[mynameisnobody]

@Mongo_like_fish Is it particular shade or size? I know supernaturals has sand, but I wasn’t aware they made gravel as well. 

[Mongo_like_fish]

On 11/5/2021 at 3:18 PM, Manny said:

@Mongo_like_fish Is it particular shade or size? I know supernaturals has sand, but I wasn’t aware they made gravel as well. 

I'm  at work right now but when I get home tonight I can get the exact info and post it. I've got another bag of it. It's about as small a grain of gravel as I've seen.

[PineSong]

On 11/5/2021 at 3:18 PM, Manny said:

@Mongo_like_fish Is it particular shade or size? I know supernaturals has sand, but I wasn’t aware they made gravel as well. 

It looks like Peace River to me. Peace River is larger than sand but much smaller than gravel, I have it in my 20L and love it. Their similarly colored Garnet Creek is larger pieces than Peace River and I didn't realize that as I was ordering online and didn't read the fine print, so I was disappointed. If you like the size in Cory's tank shown, Peace River would be the one.

[Mongo_like_fish]

Hey @Manny, so I looked at the bag and there is no mention of it being a specific color or grain size, so maybe its the only size and color of gravel they sell, although I can't swear to that. Here's pics of the bag and compared to pool filter sand. Hope this helps.