[Yingvar]

I'm new to this forum and hope to benefit from the knowledge of the more experienced members!

I like to do things myself rather than pay for the store acquired stuff.

I understand that you have to be real careful as to what you put in the Aquarium, but I dont see the differance from using landscape medium for the tanks bottom rather than purchasing Pet Supplies at the ballooned prices. All Rock is not created equal, putting a high Iron content rock in the Aquarium could prove fatal. But is there not alot available out there that is safe?

Same thing for filtration Medium, once you have purchased activated Charcal it is a simple step to recycle the used stuff by reactivating it, a shallow pan, a 350 deg. oven and some time. If I am wrong please let me know!

I don't wish to kill my fish off but it seems silly to me to pay $1.00 / lbs for something i can aquire at $.02/lbs, other than having to buy a lot more than I need. My garden can always use decrotive rock.

I welcome your responses.

[iamntbatman]

Hello, and welcome to the forum!

I live by your philosophy, especially when it comes to fishkeeping. I never understood buying rocks for $3/lb from the LFS when I can buy rocks (with a better selection, no less!) from a landscaping center for $0.10/lb. I also like to use pea gravel and play sand from Home Depot as substrates. Soon, I think I'm going to start looking into some DIY lighting retrofits. Now, if only I could find a good source of dense (read: that will sink) driftwood other than stuff sold specifically for aquarium use! Same goes for aquarium plants.

[Twistersmom]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

You can ditch the carbon all together, if you really want to save some bucks. The only time I use it, is if I need to remove medication from the tank.

[aunt kymmie]

Welcome to the forum, Yingvar. We're glad you decided to join us.
(PS. I don't use carbon either)

[willow]

hello and welcome.

[dramaqueen]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[Kelso]

Carbon free is the real way to roll ;)

I agree with what you say...going to the pet store for decorative items is a waste of moolah.