Gel gravel?

[dana]

I have some of that lovely, soft gelatin "gravel" in my bowls, and my boys LOVE it - they swim through it, sleep headfirst in it, and just lounge about in comfort all day. It's beautiful and unusual, and I love the stuff myself. ;D

The problem is, since putting it in, I've found that I have to do MORE complete water changes, and that the water quality degrades faster than with the glass marbles. I've rinsed and rinsed and rinsed -- but, no matter what, I have to do a complete change in 4 days vs. 7 - with no changes in amount of food given, temp, etc. My 2-gallon tanks start getting cloudy on the third day...

Have any of you used this and if so, how do you get around this? Yesterday, I took the gelatin gravel out, and replaced it with the marbles -- and I swear, I can HEAR the lads cursing my name.

While we still have the pleasure of each other's company, perhaps some of you experienced veterans can help this egg and her beloved betta boys?

THANKS ALL! I WILL MISS YOU!!!

(Sorry for the emoticon fest. Just seemed to fit...that sad little one with the tear...)

BYE!

[Rachel]

Maybe it's just me, but I've been unable to exactly picture the type of gravel that you've mentioned.

In any event, a few things to keep in mind with any substrate are:
1. That it is aquarium-safe and won't leech chemicals into the water
2. You have a plan to keep it clean between water changes if debris gets caught between large pieces (such as using a straw or turkey baster to suck it out)

If you've noticed an improvement in water quality with a switch back to the old substrate, I'd stick with that.

[abm]

I also am not clear on what this substrate is, exactly..."soft gelatin"? Can you post a link to the company's website? I've never heard of this.
I agree with Rachel, though - if the "old" substrate keeps the water cleaner, by all means use it!