Dark Polished Pebbles

Dark Polished Pebbles

Dark Polished Pebbles are a natural aquarium substrate for hobbyists who want a rich, dark base for their tank that looks good and supports a healthier environment for fish and other aquatic life. They suit anyone setting up or refreshing a freshwater aquarium who wants a smooth, natural-looking foundation for the aquascape.

Key Benefits

• Natural substrate that enhances the visual appeal of your aquarium.
• Contributes to a healthier environment for your aquatic life.
• Polished, premium-quality pebbles with a deep, dark tone that makes plants, fish and decor stand out.
• The pebbles change in hue when wet, which adds extra visual interest to the aquascape.
• Can be sloped towards the back of the tank so debris and waste collect at the front, making maintenance and cleaning simpler.
• Can be combined with a nutrient-rich substrate beneath the pebbles in planted aquariums.

How to Use

• Rinse first: Before adding the pebbles to your aquarium, rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use water alone, with nothing added, so the pebbles are clean and safe for your tank's inhabitants.
• Layer the pebbles: Spread them to a depth of 3 to 10 cm (1.2" to 3.9").
• Create a slope: Arrange the pebbles so the substrate rises gently towards the back of the aquarium. Debris and waste then naturally settle at the front, where they are easy to reach when cleaning.
• Planted tanks: If your aquarium has live plants, lay a nutrient-rich feed substrate or feed granules beneath the pebble layer. This gives the plants a growth medium to support healthy development.

Dosage

Lay the pebbles as a layer 3 to 10 cm (1.2" to 3.9") thick across the base of the aquarium.

Suitable For

• Aquariums where a natural substrate and a dark, polished look are wanted.
• Planted aquariums, when a nutrient-rich feed substrate or feed granules are laid underneath the pebbles.
• Aquarists who want a tidy layout that is easy to maintain.

Additional Tips

• Expect the pebbles to look different once wet. The hue shifts when they are submerged, so judge the final colour in the water rather than dry.
• Always wash the pebbles with water alone before use, to protect the health of your aquarium's inhabitants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rinse Dark Polished Pebbles before using them?
Yes. Rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water before they go into the aquarium.

Can I wash the pebbles with soap or detergent?
No. Wash them with water alone, so nothing is left on the pebbles that could affect your aquarium's inhabitants.

How deep should I lay the pebbles?
Aim for a layer 3 to 10 cm (1.2" to 3.9") thick. Sloping the pebbles gently towards the back of the tank helps debris collect at the front for easier cleaning.

Can I use these pebbles in a planted aquarium?
Yes. For live plants, lay a nutrient-rich feed substrate or feed granules beneath the pebble layer to provide a growth medium.

Will the colour look different once the pebbles are in water?
Yes. The hue of the pebbles changes when they are wet, so they will look different in the aquarium than they do dry.

When can I expect delivery?

• Gauteng (Jhb/Pta) - 1-3 working days
• Nationwide (Cpt/Dbn+) - 2-5 working days
• Outlying Areas - 3-7 working days

All orders are sent via Economy Road, typically through Fastway or Internet Express Couriers*. Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. Once the order is collected by the courier, we have no control over third-party logistics and cannot make any time promises.

If you prefer a faster 🚀 shipping option, we also offer The Courier Guy during checkout in the dropdown selection. Please note that this option is not free, and you must choose it to use it. Please pay careful attention to the cutoff times and delivery timeframe for these options during checkout.

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Delivery times to lockers and pickup locations typically range from 2–7 working days, depending on your location.*

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• Bob Box: Collect within 2 days of receiving your collection notification.
• PUDO Lockers: Collect within 36 hours of receiving your collection PIN or SMS notification.

If a PUDO parcel is not collected within 36 hours, it will automatically be transferred to the nearest PUDO Kiosk or Depot at no additional cost. The parcel will then be held there for approximately 2 days before being returned.

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