Big River South

anewbie · Mar 21, 2022

In about 11 months I'll be setting up 10x3x22 and 8x4x22 (I went with 22 inches instead of 24 since i have problem reaching the bottom of the 24 and my tanks are heavily planted).

What sand did you use for your substrate and did you put a clay layer below it ?

AquaBarb · Mar 21, 2022

anewbie said:
In about 11 months I'll be setting up 10x3x22 and 8x4x22 (I went with 22 inches instead of 24 since i have problem reaching the bottom of the 24 and my tanks are heavily planted).

What sand did you use for your substrate and did you put a clay layer below it ?

Substrates play sand

I never use clay or anything other than root tabs for my planted tanks.

anewbie · Mar 21, 2022

AquaBarb said:
Substrates play sand I never use clay or anything other than root tabs for my planted tanks.

What is the longest you have run a tank with play sand and which brand? The reason i ask is some substrates don't age well and i want something that will last a long time - i suspect play sand doesn't have a problem because it is largely silicate but some substrate will compact too much and create aneraboic pockets.

AquaBarb · Mar 21, 2022

anewbie said:
What is the longest you have run a tank with play sand and which brand? The reason i ask is some substrates don't age well and i want something that will last a long time - i suspect play sand doesn't have a problem because it is largely silicate but some substrate will compact too much and create aneraboic pockets.

Ive used it for around 3 years or so now, i use it in all my tanks.
I get it from a store called Argos here in the UK. 15kg bags for £5.50 which is a great deal compared to aquarium branded sands.

I believe Quikrete Play Sand is your equivalent in the states and you can get it from a Home depot or lowes store if i remember correctly

Rocky998 · Mar 21, 2022

AquaBarb said:
Ive used it for around 3 years or so now, i use it in all my tanks.
I get it from a store called Argos here in the UK. 15kg bags for £5.50 which is a great deal compared to aquarium branded sands.

I believe Quikrete Play Sand is your equivalent in the states and you can get it from a Home depot or lowes store if i remember correctly

Yup, its Quikrete... They have a lot of things to be used in aquariums... They have sand, river pebbles, river stones, and other rock options... And they are all very cheap compared to aquarium brand decor

Rocky998 · Mar 21, 2022

Rocky998 said:
Yup, its Quikrete... They have a lot of things to be used in aquariums... They have sand, river pebbles, river stones, and other rock options... And they are all very cheap compared to aquarium brand decor

I'm switching out my dragon rock for their stones after my vaca

anewbie · Mar 21, 2022

Rocky998 said:
Yup, its Quikrete... They have a lot of things to be used in aquariums... They have sand, river pebbles, river stones, and other rock options... And they are all very cheap compared to aquarium brand decor

Actually I am more likely to use HTH pool filter sand; given the requirement of the fishes i will be stocking.

Rocky998 · Mar 21, 2022

anewbie said:
Actually I am more likely to use HTH pool filter sand; given the requirement of the fishes i will be stocking.

But for cheap rocks and such Quikrete is really good I've heard. I've heard pool filter sand is a really good substrate for aquariums!

AquaBarb · Mar 27, 2022

Rocky998 · Mar 27, 2022

And so my jealousy gets stronger

AquaBarb · Mar 27, 2022

Rocky998 said:
And so my jealousy gets stronger

Lol my phones just full of fish pictures. Ill just be watching my tanks and want to capture everything

I do like to look back and see how the fish and tanks have progressed over time tho. Find it very rewarding when they all look nice and healthy and doing good

Look at my little Ellioti's

so cute. Will have to take them to my LFS soon because they are nearly ready. So going too miss them

Rocky998 · Mar 27, 2022

AquaBarb said:
Lol my phones just full of fish pictures. Ill just be watching my tanks and want to capture everything

I do like to look back and see how the fish and tanks have progressed over time tho. Find it very rewarding when they all look nice and healthy and doing good

Look at my little Ellioti's so cute. Will have to take them to my LFS soon because they are nearly ready. So going too miss them View attachment 157147 View attachment 157148 View attachment 157149 View attachment 157150 View attachment 157151 View attachment 157152 View attachment 157153 View attachment 157154

Sorry you have to let those guys go

. But im sure anyone would take them! They're very vibrant and healthy!

AquaBarb · Apr 10, 2022

Really happy with these two set ups atm. Wasnt sure if id like going from planted to bio on the big Rio but i love it. Its a joy to sit and watch.

P.s sorry about the barking in the back ground. I let the dogs out back so our parrot Rosie thinks she needs to join in barking at the birds and squrriels in the garden.

#noisyowl

AquaBarb · May 22, 2022

Was missing some activity near the top of this tank so i purchased a nice group of Hyphessobrycon columbianus (colombian Tetra) which ive been fond of for a while. Was just waiting to come across some a decent size like this group.

️