28 replies to this topic

[Moontanman]

 

I would think either could be a problem but I doubt we are talking a wide swing in pH.  To get any appreciable  effect, you are going to need pH less than 5 or greater than 8.  In the end, the only thing that will determine suitability is actual testing.  Now, I understand that coal slag is not hazardous as defined by EPA.   It is indeed used in a wide range of applications. Here's a link that might help:

 

http://www.coalashfa...Waste_FINAL.pdf

 

 

On you tube there seems to be a plethora of people who use it and report no problems even with bottom dwelling fishes. 

[gerald]

Many people report on the success or failure of their experiments or equipment changes after the first few weeks, but few people follow up on how well it's working a year or two later (after they've probably made other changes too).  With something like coal slag I'd expect the health effects, if any, to appear slowly and be difficult (or impossible) to distinguish from other possible causes of poor health.  Standard toxicity testing may be too short to show long-term sub-lethal effects of low-level mixed metals & hydrocarbons. 

 

The decision to exclude coal ash and slag from RCRA (the Bevill Amendment) was primarily a political decision for the mining and power industries, not a scientific one.  http://nationalaglaw.../crs/R43149.pdf

[Matt DeLaVega]

I would probably try it, but really I am with Gerald here. I just cannot believe a coal byproduct could be fish safe long term. Water changes may do the trick, but it seems like there has to be some level of toxicity. I would still try it.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

The only thing left over after the mining process is silica. It's just as inert as a glass aquarium. There may be some sharp bits here and there, but the same could be said of any sand or gravel. The heat used to extract all minerals, however, has rounded off any sharp edges I can see with the naked eye. I was using play sand and made the switch to Black Diamond in my 75 gallon planted. All my fish have become more colorful and active. It settles quickly and doesn't get kicked up with the antics of my Bluespotted Sunfish contantly bickering over territories.

It isn't pure black, there are some gold tones in it. I think that makes it look more natural and beautiful. Gives it a little sparkle. I use the medium grit.

Let's see if I can figure out this video thing.
http://vid981.photob...zpsqq8sburj.mp4

Edited by Squeaky McMurdo, 08 July 2016 - 02:12 PM.

[Irate Mormon]

They sell this stuff at Northern Tool, $9.99 for 50 lbs.  I'm of a mind to try it myself.

[Moontanman]

They sell this stuff at Northern Tool, $9.99 for 50 lbs.  I'm of a mind to try it myself.

 

When I set up the 225 I have sitting in my yard I plan to use it, probably kill me trying to clean that much sand... 

[dafrimpster]

Both tanks that I commented on in Feb 2015 are still set up and thriving. Moontanman, it WILL be a lot of work cleaning that much black diamond. Good luck with that.

[Moontanman]

I'm thinking garnet looks pretty good as well... 

 

http://www.redflint.com/garnet.htm

[thedood]

Ive been using black diamond for over a year now. I have it in two tanks. Freshwater shrimp are pretty sensitive and it works well with them.

 

If I can make another suggestion for low cost substrate that is inert and that is chicken grit. Chicken grit is ground up granite. I have it in a tank with an super red top hongi who sifts all day long and he seems to love it. The color is white and black like salt n pepper. Little larger than sand grain size. Fairly dusty so it needs rinsed very well.