gravel question

[dee105]

This is my first post here, I actually haven't even set my aquarium up yet.. I have a 90 gallon and we initially intended to set it up as freshwater. But we got thinking and we decided that we were going to go ahead and do saltwater. We had already purchased the gravel (Black Top Fin, from Pet Smart) I have ready EVERYWHERE that you need to have crushed coral, sand, or some other stuff. I emailed top fin and they said that their gravel is 100% safe for marine aquariums. What is the opinion here? I want to do the right thing...
Sorry for all my ramblings, i hope it makes sense I appreciate your response..

[dibenni]

i am sure that this gravel would be safe - but you would not reep the benefits of having a live sand bed. there are plenty of posts on this site on the debate over sand vs. crushed coral vs. bare bottom. you will find that most everyone uses sand as it aids in the nitrogen cycle and many livestock prefer (require) a sandbed.

if you do a quick search you should find a lot of material.

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND!

As dibenni points out there is a lot of information and guidance here at Reefland. Pay particular attention to the stickies.

I suggest you start by doing two things: obtain a good book and reading this long post: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

Regarding books, there is a link in the above post to another post which lists some books.

You are at the perfect stage in your quest for starting up a marine aquarium. I say 'perfect' because you are doing the right thing -- you're asking questions and learning what it will take, and you are open to information. So, you want to start reading and absorbing!

Good luck!

[Reefland]

I agree with the above posts, what you have would be safe but not the best solution. I would go with a very fine sand, aragonite, for the most natural appearance and if you go deep enough, +3", you can get some denitrification from it.