gravel color

Question
Hello, I am setting up a new 55 gallon aquarium for my black moor, gold snails and orange goldfish.  What color of gravel should I use. A friend gave me a couple pails of black aquarium gravel which is great for the orange fish but will disappear my black moor!!  I also have lots of greyish pea rock outside in my dog run maybe I could use cause i like natural looks?  My living room where the tank is, has black furniture with purple curtains...if that helps.  Please help my indecision. thanks Lori

Answer
Hello,

It is always better to not use rocks from outside. You can buy natural aquarium rock at pet stores. If you are going to use outside rocks though, make sure your boil them to kill any bad bacteria.

Black gravel is nice because it tends to make your fish look darker and more vibrant. I have black gravel in an aquarium with a black angelfish and I can still see him. It actually makes his black very dark looking.

I would say that both natural and black stones are the best choices. Bright colors, or neons tend to not look as good.

I hope this helps,
From Stephanie