I REALLY enjoy the look of finely crushed coral as opposed to the traditional aquarium gravel. I am starting a tank of either mollies or guppies but I don't really want a salt water tank. Is there any way to crush the traditional gravel or is there sand that isn't for saltwater tanks that I could use? I just don't like the traditional gravel look.
You could use crushed coral in a freshwater tank, just be aware that it will affect the water chemisty. The limestone will increase the pH and hardness. Guppies and other livebearers will be fine with this though, but it may limit the choice of tankmates. African cichlids also like those water conditions, but dont keep them with guppies. Ian
If you are only keeping mollies and guppies you can infact use crushed coral or dolomite (not the live versions) for this tank. Mollies and guppies are technically salt water fish and using these bases will raise the ph to around 8.3 which is also fine for these two fish. They sell crushed gravel at any asphalt, driveway supply or rock quary in the smaller chunks. You can also use a hammer or a whacker and crush your own. Sand is Sand is sand and all sand can be used in an aquarium as long as it is washed. (Just not live sand) Rough sand (the larger pebbels with fine sand) always looks awsome in a tank. River gravel also makes a great bottom for a tank.
