Gravel Or Sand

[TheStretchedElf]

Yes, that was to you! I find sand much easier to clean because all the gunk just sits on top. I take my siphon and just swirl it around just above the surface of the sand. All that stuff gets caught in the "whirlpool" and goes right up the tube.

Yes I know what you mean about it sitting on top of the sand, a friend of mine said exactly the same. I suppose the whirlpool technique is something I've yet to master lol.

 

[RCA]

I have sand in mine. I think it looks fantastic and gives the tank a natural feel. I have only just started to populate my tank but I do plan on getting some kuhli loaches which will love burrowing in the sand. On the downside sand does seem harder to clean.

 
Check out Java Loaches I see these all the time vs the shy Kuhlis - I 

both though.
 
You have a lovely looking tank, start a journal and tell us more about it

 

[TheStretchedElf]

Check out Java Loaches I see these all the time vs the shy Kuhlis - I  both though.
 
You have a lovely looking tank, start a journal and tell us more about it

I do have a thread over in members aquarium and fish pictures which I post pics to every now and then. As for the loaches, it is the banded kuhlis I'm after, they look so cool and my kids are so excited about them. I think java loaches are plain in colour aren't they?

 

[RCA]

Yes Java Loaches are plain but you see them  I have both so you could mix them, here are a couple of videos of them...
 
Java Loach Ballet
 
 
Pangio oblonga (Java Loach, Black kuhli) feeding time

 

[TheStretchedElf]

Yes Java Loaches are plain but you see them  I have both so you could mix them, here are a couple of videos of them...
 
Java Loach Ballet
 
 
Pangio oblonga (Java Loach, Black kuhli) feeding time

Wow, those Javas are active little critters aren't they!

 

[RCA]

Yes Java Loaches are plain but you see them

 I have both so you could mix them, here are a couple of videos of them...
 
Java Loach Ballet
 
 
Pangio oblonga (Java Loach, Black kuhli) feeding time

Wow, those Javas are active little critters aren't they!

 
As we are going OFF TOPIC I have started a NEW TOPIC on this subject, so please go there to discuss the Loaches and get my response ...

 

 

[TheStretchedElf]

I've still not mastered cleaning my sand. I suppose the scape I have doesn't help much as it makes it harder to disturb the sand by swirling. Trouble is, even when I do manage to disturb it a lot of the waste that sits on top of the sand seems to be too heavy to get sucked up. As it stands I am getting a steady build up of waste on my sand which eventually might be cause for concern!

 

[RCA]

Oooo, that does not sound so good.  What are you using to clean it with?  Maybe you need a stronger syphon?
I have yet to clean sand, so maybe someone else can advise that has it?
My suggestion however would be, take the risk and suck up some of the sand with the debris, and filter it through a net so that you capture the sand and can wash away the debris on top, then return the sand to the aquarium - just a thought that might work.
 
Your signature picture looks great, lovely piece of wood.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I've still not mastered cleaning my sand. I suppose the scape I have doesn't help much as it makes it harder to disturb the sand by swirling. Trouble is, even when I do manage to disturb it a lot of the waste that sits on top of the sand seems to be too heavy to get sucked up. As it stands I am getting a steady build up of waste on my sand which eventually might be cause for concern!

 
The idea is not to disturb the sand at all. You should be able to swirl the siphon over the top of the sand and suck up the debris. I just use a length of clear tubing that's about 1/2" diameter and I have no problem sucking up the debris. One needs to be careful not to get too close to the surface or the sand will indeed come up the hose as well. 

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I've had success sucking up debris AND sand, and having it deposit into a two-liter soda bottle.  The sand settles to the bottom and the rest stays more in the water column.  Give it a good shake, and you can remove the debris by pouring it out and return the sand to the tank.  You'll also lose more of the lighter sand particles as well, but they are as much a nuisance as they are anything else.  This works really nicely and its even easier than the swirling method.  For a quick clean I swirl, for a "deep clean" I use the bottle.

 

[CoryLover95]

I feel i should mention that i was talking with some guys on another forum about black sand and the general consensus among the people who had experienced it with Cory's was that they were not happy with it due to the fact it is generally much sharper and  rougher than normal sand, so possibly worse than just having them on smooth stones or gravel. I chose to stick with play sand for this reason.

Interesting point, and as TOS said it's basically ground glass.  I use play sand too and think it works great, so soft and fine.  

 

[fluttermoth]

I feel i should mention that i was talking with some guys on another forum about black sand and the general consensus among the people who had experienced it with Cory's was that they were not happy with it due to the fact it is generally much sharper and  rougher than normal sand, so possibly worse than just having them on smooth stones or gravel. I chose to stick with play sand for this reason.

I just had get rid of some black volcanic sand that killed two BNs and an adolfoi cory over the weekend It wasn't sharp, but there was something nasty in it
 

Interesting, I just read elsewhere that play sand is sharper than filter sand hence filter is the sand of choice.  I know play sand is a choice of many hobbyists so this is an interesting discussion.  I was put off sand as I was advised due to it compacting the plants can struggle.
 
Anyone come across Grey sand?

I've actually replaced the killer sand with 'Pettex Roman Gravel Black Sand', which I've had in another tank for a year, so I know it's safe. It is dark grey, not black, but I'm happy with it. The cories seem fine on it, it is very soft. 
 
I have playsand in most of my other tanks (low tech planted) and I've never had a problem with sand 'compacting', nor with it going anaerobic; I have had the odd anaerobic patch, under rocks or big bits of bogwood mostly, but I just syphon it out, wash it in hot water and put it back. It does stink, but I've never lost a fish because of it; the gas oxidizes as soon as it touches the water. The plants do perfectly well in it.

 

[TheStretchedElf]

I've been using a vacuum type gravel cleaner like this

which may mean I'm getting less suction at the flared intake and not pulling up as much debris as I would like. I may try siphoning with just the tube as I may get a faster flow around a narrow intake which would allow me to suck up debris more efficiently. Siphoning with just the tube might also allow me to get into those nooks and crannies under my bogwood etc that are proving elusive. I'm also open to your suggestion, RCA, (thanks for the compliment btw ) but I'd rather avoid removing sand in the first place if I can.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That's definitely a factor.  If you use just the hose, you will get a MUCH stronger siphon, and that will allow you to get more of the gunk, and more of the nooks and crannies cleaner.

 

[Ny82]

I like both sand and gravel. I had normal coloured sand in my 64L then changed it to black sand and it looks so much better. My 30L has black gravel which is quite fine and the 95L has black gravel too. 
With the sand I hated the sandstorm when I moved things around no matter how careful I was! I like that the black sand is course, it's IMO better to plant in.