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#Post#: 625--------------------------------------------------
How to Save Money on Rocks & Substrate
By: scott whitney Date: September 26, 2014, 8:27 am
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Just a suggestion:
Sand, gravel and decorative rock at the fish stores can be
expensive, especially if you are setting up a large tank. I
find local sand/gravel companies that specialize in the
construction and decorative landscape business. Normally they
deal in large quantities but will quite often sell in smaller
quantities for the aquarist. Be sure to take a bottle of
vinegar with you so you can test the rocks & gravel before you
purchase. (if you pour vinegar on the rocks and it bubbles,
don't buy them because they will raise the Ph of your water)
Rocks that don't cause the vinegar to bubble are OK.
I was able to set up a 46 gallon tank with 14 rocks and 3" deep
substrate for $35. (and have gravel and rocks left over) Here
is a photo
#Post#: 772--------------------------------------------------
Re: How to Save Money on Rocks & Substrate
By: PaulMartin61 Date: September 28, 2014, 10:40 am
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I've done this exact thing in the past, and it truly was far
cheaper that going to the local fish store.
In my case, we were not allowed to simply walk about the place
on the weekend I originally went. I was told, that Tuesday's
were a slower day and I'd get no complaints if I wanted to walk
around and pick out my stones. They even gave me a small kid
wagon to use.
If you have a Sand and Gravel company near by, take Scott's
suggestion it really is fun.
Paul
#Post#: 779--------------------------------------------------
Re: How to Save Money on Rocks & Substrate
By: Jennifer Date: September 28, 2014, 12:28 pm
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I would totally agree with this. It helps a lot, if you're a
home owner and are buying things from the rock and sand places
for home improvement projects as well and have developed a bit
of a relationship with those folks. They are also way more
willing to allow you to look around and sorta pick through
things for things you want if you respect their business. Like,
don't show up during their busiest hours of operation on their
busiest days. In other words, a little common sense and
politeness goes a long way.
There is a place in my town that makes granite counter tops. I
bought a counter top from them and while I was there I asked if
they ever had any scrap pieces that would be suitable for fish
tanks. I picked up a few cool rocks that way. He also gets a
lot of pallets in and will allow people to take those for free.
You just have to be creative and ask people and .. be prepared
to hear no. Sometimes, they just don't want to bother, but many
of those folks just think you're sort of odd and will let you
have things they consider as trash.
#Post#: 844--------------------------------------------------
Re: How to Save Money on Rocks & Substrate
By: hapguy63 Date: September 29, 2014, 10:11 am
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I used pool filter sand for my substrate. It was like $10
dollars for a 50 pound bag. I did have to rinse the heck out of
it to get it clean enough for tank use. As for my other rock I
use for décor I got them for free 99 :). I have family that
live in a cabin up in the woods in the middle of nowhere so
when I go visit them I always grab a view nice looking rocks
from their property. A good power wash and scrubbing and they
are good to go.
#Post#: 851--------------------------------------------------
Re: How to Save Money on Rocks & Substrate
By: probn Date: September 29, 2014, 10:57 am
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I should look for sand companies when I set up my 200 gallon
tank ;D
great idea ;)
#Post#: 956--------------------------------------------------
Re: How to Save Money on Rocks & Substrate
By: mrk13p Date: October 1, 2014, 6:12 am
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lace goes for .14 a lb in my area. compared to about 1.50 lb at
the LFS
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