CC in a freshwater tank?? Fresh setup...

[chrismilano]

Im trying to set up a 50 gallon fresh tank and I dont know much. First, can I use my leftover cc as a fresh substate?
Second, everything else!! Is there a cycle wait, what type of filter, etc.

 

[salty james]

Never used CC in FW. Use gravel...
Might be on the wrong board.. not too many will answer FW questions. hence swf.com

 

[mammafish]

I prefer the aquaclear filters. I would suggest at least the 300. I also use undergravel filters with the aquaclear. I would use gravel not cc. Wait 24 hours before adding any fish. Use a tap water conditioner, live plants are always wise in my opinion, and I would put in two sucker fish in a tank that large. Ph7.2. Hope this helps.

 

[fishymissy]

Unless you are keeping african cichlids that would appreciate the high alkalinity, don't use the cc as a substrate. Most freshwater fish, like angels, platies, tetras, would be severly stressed by higher alk.
HOB (hang on the back) type filters are good, and this is just my opinion, but undergravels are detrius traps and do not go well in tanks that have plants or fish that dig. Go here for more info on freshwater set ups....
<a href="http://www.fishesrus.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi" target="_blank">www.fishesrus.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi</a>

 

[daddyfish]

ONLY ONE SUGESTION DONT DROP THE PHONE IN THE FRESH WATER <img src="graemlins//urrr.gif" border="0" alt="[urrr]" />

 

[daddyfish]

DUDE YOU SHOULD USE GRAVEL NOT CC LIVE PLANTS ARE COOL WILL CAUSE SNAILS GET A BIG SUCKER FISH OR ALGEA EATER I HAVE A FILTER AND A HEATER IF YOU NEED IT WHISPER FOR UP TO 75 GAL WILL WORK FINE
CALL ME

 

[david s]

I never tryed cc in fresh But agree with fishy I heard it would drive ph up to high levels for fresh water just like sea shells

 

[marc42fe]

"will cause snails" are snails a disease? I have like 30 or so in each my fresh water tanks. they keep the inside of the glass totally clean (My plicostimusesees will only eat beef heart, I spoiled them feeding my oscars) I put catfish in to control the snails., they got sort of out of hand at first but its all balanced now they breed and die almost as the new ones are about the size of a grain of sand.

 

[shawnsghost]

I have 7 large FW tanks containing a little of everything and can tell you that the high PH level will wreak havoc on your new tank friends. Save some time and heartbreak and go out and get some gravel theres types out there that will give you the same apperance as CC.