Gravel or Sand

[grayshark]

What is the best Gravle or sand this isnt just a question just because I feel like It I would like some other opinions on it because I might go from gravle to sand in my 4ft.

 

[debiasir]

i prefer gravel as i found sand hard to clean. i will only use sand as a substrate if my fish require it

 

[gadazobe]

I didn't vote because IMO there's no straight answer to your question. A lot depends on what fish you keep - some prefer sand to gravel - a lot of the bottom feeders fare much better with sand, whereas top and middle swimmers aren't too fussy. Also personal preferance - personally I prefer a very coarse sand which is fine enough for my fish that like to rummage around in the sand and coarse enough to keep my plants happy.

 

[Fiori]

I must admit to having a preference for sand but that is for a combination of reasons. The fish I keep prefer it and I think it looks lovely with plants and bogwood. I've never found it difficult to clean either.

 

[FalconStorm]

I prefer gravel because I used undergravel filters in some of my tanks, plus, I mess with my tanks a lot and sand is easy to stir up. I also mix colors in my substrate, and I think it looks better in larger chunks. I do use a fine gravel, though, so my bottom feeders are more comfortable and my plants are easier to plant.

 

[Torrean]

fine gravel mixed with some slightly larger stones looks nice in my opinion

 

[Jen]

I started with gravel, and swtiched over to sand last year. I prefer the look of it, and prefer the ease of cleaning.

 

[SirMinion]

Sand for me too, all eight of our tanks are sand based, but then again, all eight of our tanks contain fish that prefer sand.

We prefer the look of sand and find it much easier to keep clean.

 

[Annastasia]

I personally prefer sand because I have lots of Cories in my tanks, and they like to scavenge around in it. I also find it easy to keep clean, my plants do well in it, and I think it looks nice.

 

[LeoII]

I prefer the look of fine gravel or fine marble chippings in a tropical tank.

Regular gravel may look more natural but it's a bit unoriginal.

 

[julibob]

I find sand looks much nicer. The cory's love to sift it through their gills It is sooooooo easy to plant. I dont find it difficult to clean.

 

[steelhealr]

OK...let me play opposite....I think gravel is easy to clean. Vac lifts the gravel, tosses it around, doesn't kick up sediment. Sand can compact. But...I agree with everyone above...just depends on your preferences and what your fish prefer. SH

 

[ccg]

Switched my two larger tanks over last night to white silica sand, I am loving it!.

Fish seem to love it as well, best thing I have done for my tank in a long time I think.

 

[memnon]

i prefer gravel to sand because its not as difficult to keep clean.
the gravel that i like the most is black gravel, as it dosen't show dirt and it brings the colour of the fish out well

 

[Bloo]

I think most people tend to start off with gravel - as did I.
I love sand and find it just 10 time easier to clean than gravel. Maintenance is also far less time consuming with sand. It takes 2 ticks to swizzle your fingers lightly through the sand - or I use a plain wooden chop stick. I have one tank with fairly fine gravel, but I'm definitely switching over to sand on that one too shortly.
So sand all the way - From my point of view of course