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Are those art glass beads okay for the bottom of my aquarium?

Iv got an aquarium set up with those glass beads you see in craft stores and in vases. I have them for the bottom of my tank. I'm wondering if they're okay and if they will grow algae on them because i also have an algae eater. Im wondering about the algae because if theres no algae the fish could starve

Public Comments

1. yeah they will. why are you wondering is they will grow algae on them but you have algae eaters LOL
2. Generally they're okay but shouldn't be the only thing in the tank and you need to be sure there isn't some kind of laquer or paint on them that can chip off or leach chemicals into your water. You will still need some kind of gravel or sand since the glass marbles of any kind generally don't make a good surface for algae or beneficial bacteria to grow on. Be sure you are offering other foods to your algae eater...Most tanks don't grow the right kind of algae for them in a big enough amount to maintain their health. They need a varied diet just like we do. Be sure to offer algae wafers and blanched veggies(dipped in boiling water for a few seconds so the veggie doesn't float) periodicly. Zucchinni, squash, cooked peas with the hull off (smoosh each one between your fingers and give them the inner pieces), canned green beans.
3. well I've had some in my tank 4 six months and my fish are fine. i think that any glass that is clean say bleached or boiled[not suggested 4 glass] is fine. you can also try marbles and these really weirdly shaped marbles that are shaped like a boomerang i got some from my aunt for my birthday i think she got them at the hobby lobby 8D have fun!I'm not sure if it would promote algae but i know it will not kill it. also u can buy food for algae eaters such as algae wafers if there is not enough algae :) I'm sure it looks great i know it adds a colorful touch to mine.
4. not a problem
5. yes
6. It should be fine, and your algae eater needs more then just algae. You can feed them algae wafers, zucchinis, or other veggies.