Confused, Sand Or Gravel!?

[355858]

Hi guys I'm confused about what to use sand or gravel? Different peoplel have said use different things I want to have a plec in the tank and maybe some other bottom dwelling fish so wanna kno eats best if so where wud u recommend getting it? In the uk..

Cheers ben

 

[Trollfest]

I would definitely get sand. I used gravel when I set up my tank about 2 months ago and really regret it now. It restricts what bottom dwellers you can get, or at least it does if you want them to be happy.

 

[mattlee]

smooth rounded small gravel is ok for bottom feeders but they will much prefer sand as it doesnt damage their barbels....

 

[Truck]

I'd go for toys 'r' us play sand, its cheap, doesn't need cleaning, and is a nice colour.

 

[Floyds mum]

I started off with gravel and my cories were ok but as soon as i swapped over to sand (argos play sand) they have been tons happier and tons more active.
I do have gravel in a 17L tank for fry and i still like the look of both but id definately go for sand with bottom dwellers.

 

[355858]

Cheers guys wen u say toys r us sand do u mean just play sand? Ben

 

[Truck]

yes, just play sand.

 

[355858]

Ok brilliant cheers guys

 

[mattlee]

if there isnt a toys r us near you then argos play sand is also very good, its about £3 for a huge bag full. just make sure whatever sand/ gravel etc you add to give it a thorough clean to remove any dirt/dust etc etc. fill a bucket 1/3 with sand then stick a hose pipe in and swish the sand round until the water coming over the top of the bucket is clear, it only takes a few minutes as play sand is already pre washed but it does have some dirt in thats better off not in your tank

 

[355858]

cheers mattlee

 

[huberp]

wait make sure you get a plain coloured sand cause colors can freak the fish out!!!!!

 

[OldMan47]

That is a new one on me HuberP. I have seen fish with lots of different colored substrate, including some I couldn't bear to look at, but I have never seen the fish affected by it. What I find appalling doesn't bother the fish at all.

 

[waterdrop]

Not to mention that fish don't necessarily see the same light/color spectrum that we do anyway! WD