Question regarding Limestone and marble tiles/brick

[spm78]

Was looking at getting calcium carb or coral to go into my sump to help buffer my water, problem being I will need around 100-200kg as it is a large system. My question is would limestone or marble tiles and bricks do the same thing as they are much cheaper (from landscape supplies), I could also use them in the tanks not just the sump. Or will the smaller surface area make it less effective. Cheers Steve

[bristlenosejohn]

Gday steve,

I have found that when I am doing a large system like your are talking about it is cheaper to go with oysters as there are cheaper to buy and also you can crush them easily mate.

Just what I have done in the past mate.

Cheers

Johno

[spm78]

Thanks Johno will keep that in mind. Was looking online and looked like I could get limestone brick for $85m2 and thought I could drill holes and things for fish and have them in the tank as well as the sump.

[bristlenosejohn]

No probs mate,

I would be very causious when it comes to using limestone bricks as you dont know if there are any other eliments that may also be present that can wipe out your tanks (either str8 away or over time). It is always great to think/ find ways to make our systems run cheaper however dont let the $$ make your fish suffer in the long run. If you cant afford to run a large scale set up then down size if that means your fish are going to get the best you can afford for them.

Just my 2cents

Cheers

Johno

[aussie123]

Heya Steve

As Johnno has said,oyster shells are a very cheap solution and they are as good as anything to buffer the water.

If you ring the oyster farms you can often get hession bags full for free.

Another option is shell grit from a produce shop as they sell it in bulk bags for chooks and other birds.

Shell grit is great as its all small shells,often about the size of a 10 cent piece.