I am getting ready to move up to a larger tank. I was thinking about using the large river rocks instead of gravel. I know this would be safer for the goldfish - but how would I be able to use the gravel vac with such large rocks? I guess they won't work - because they might even break the tank. They are in the gravel section of PetCo and are about 2 inches in diameter - I know they would look great with my clear green crystals. Maybe I can find some that are smaller - but large enough not to get caught in the fish's mouth. Any input would be appreciated. B)

I use river rock - in the bigger tanks I even use "river boulders" that are 4 inches big or so. I do not use layers of them. They are scattered over the tank bottom. The fish can easily pick between them to get the sunken food, they still like to roll them around (it can get noisy!) and the gravel vacumn can be used to gently push them around when you are vacumning the tank. The majority of the mulm does not collect on the bottom for the currents and fish disturb it and it is filtered out. A small amount collects under the rocks, but as you move them, it comes right up. The tank stay squeaky clean!!!!

I think the trick is not to put them more than one rock deep or, as I have done, scatter them loosely on the bottom.

So you don't use any other substrate than the river rocks loosely scattered around? That might be better than gravel because not as much dirt and debris would collect.

Daryl you must have some big fish if they can move the rocks around! Sounds like you are doing something right.

This is one of my bigger tanks with some large fish in it. Rocky is about 6 inches without the tail....

The rocks are 2-3 inches and bigger. It keeps the tank very clean and I can even clean the bottom of the tank very easily.....

My goldfish redecorate my tank all the time. I don't use river rocks anymore since I have live plants in my tank so I need the smaller kinds. But the big goldfish will amaze you, cause they can lift about anything in the tank

This is a smaller tank with a fish that is only about 2 inches big..... the rocks are only 1 to 1 1/2 inches big - in keeping with the size of the fish. They are easy for me to push around and Hubble, the fish, loves to push them around, also......

That looks like a cool tank hun......

Daryl, I absolutly love the tank with Rocky in it! He ain't have bad either I couldn't stop looking at it. You must sit for hours and look at that tank.
I would love to see the whole thing, unless you're saving it for tank of the month.

That is one of my favorite tanks - it has 4 of my favorite fish in it!!!! I love to watch them every evening when my hubby is watching TV (I can do without the TV!). I sit and read the paper or a book and watch my fishies play!!!! There is Rocky, Puppy, Pudge, and Moby. Recently I added little Goggles because I had no other place for him, but he is tooooo active for the older, big guys, so he was moved. He harassed poor Puppy - she is sleeping in a 20 iso for a few days to rest and recoup.....

I think I might hold off posting a picture of the entire tank for a bit, though. Tank of the Month is a good possibility......

Well I suppose I can wait to see it, but once it has ran (and won, I assuming) I want to see a whole picture of it. Including those beautiful fish.
I know you drool over some of Koko's fish, but that Rocky he'd make anyone drool as well.

Hey I may take some pointers from you, if you don't mind, when I go to set my 29 gal back up, if that is okay?

WEll, I will certainly be happy to try to help in any way I can......

(I think Rocky has to be one of my all time favorite fish.....he is really a character. He is so friendly and personable. He knows me. He smacks so loudly when he sees me - he likes cantalope melon)

Wow Daryl - that is a BEAUTIFUL tank!!! Very inspiring!

I've caught a peek or two before,and have definitely wanted to see alot more pics myself! Rocky is a "Looker",that's for sure!!!