Netmax, I think you are right, you have to give the new substrate time to
get covered in biofilm, this will bind things a bit. The OP must just be
patient.
--
**So long, and thanks for all the fish!**


"NetMax" wrote in message
...

"RedForeman ©®" wrote in message
...
Ok, Stupid question time.

There are no stupid questions, just silly answers...

#1: How much flourite per gallon if I wanna use it with gravel? (Tank
is a 55g tall)

I used 4 bags of flourite and 2 bags of similar colored gravel, near
the
same size. I'd guess 6 bags for your 55, but I agree with NetMax, 90%
of
people mix it, to make it go farther...

#2: Is there an easy way to remove the Laterite from the current
gravel?

Maybe just chunk it... Sorry about the cost... but hold on a minute....

#3: Could it be the amount of water movement/filtration I have? A
friend of mine has never had this problem, and he is the one who
recommended Laterite to me, he uses it without problem.

If you have alot, I mean ALOT of movement, then you're really just
stirring
it up yourself... How about running your HOB filter, ONLY.... give it a
day
or so to settle down... See what happens... alot of it IS trial and
error...
It is totally possible you are pushing too much water around and the
laterite can't settle down enough, allowing it to become suspended
inthe
water column...

That's a good point. Whenever I use sand as a substrate, I turn off all
pumps and filters for a couple if days, and let the particulates settle
to the bottom. This way only the uppermost layer is as volatile to
return to the water column, and this layer tends to get a bit of a slime
coat on it, helping keep it down.

Another option is to pour in a flocculent, and use some fine disposable
floss in your filter for a few days. I think RedForeman ©® is on the
right track in trying to get your conditions to where the filters can
keep the water clean. It's worth a few trys before you tear it apart.

NetMax

#4: Does anyone else use Laterite without this problem?

I've only and always used Flourite... I love the look of laterite, but
I
started to use it in a 10g, and ended up taking it back, it was too
light,
like potting soil... Just didn't like it.. I got black onyx sand
instead...

--
RedForeman ©® future fabricator and creator of a ratbike
streetfighter!!!

==========================
2003 TRX450ES
1992 TRX-350 XX (For Sale)
1987 TRX250R (sold)
1987 CBR600 Hurricane (sold)
1987 VFR700 Interceptor (sold)
1995 TRX300ex (sold)
2000 CBR600F4 silver/red (sold) *sniff*sniff*
'98 Tacoma Ext Cab 4X4 Lifted....
==========================
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