Gravel/substrate Question

[Fishrockmysox]

I have a simple question. I'm going to be getting a 40 or 50/55G tank in December or Early January... I want to have an under gravel filter as it seems it picks up more stuff? So can I use a sandy substrate to should I use something like Small Creek Pebbles(available at Petco)?

Also if you use sand in a tank wouldn't the sand turn into mud?

 

[mr.dark-saint]

Sand and UGF alone would be useless. If one were to put window screen over the UGF it'll make the sand stay on top where it was intended. However window screen will get holey eventually and will get sucked down the UGF plates. If you use Powerheads they will pull the sand since they're more powerful than just air stones and pump.

 

[Fishrockmysox]

Sand and UGF alone would be useless. If one were to put window screen over the UGF it'll make the sand stay on top where it was intended. However window screen will get holey eventually and will get sucked down the UGF plates. If you use Powerheads they will pull the sand since they're more powerful than just air stones and pump.

I might go with Creek Pebble Gravel(medium sized pebbles available at petco).

 

[joloco]

no sand won't turn into mud - make sure you wash it before adding it to your tank, you'll be horrified at how dirty it is

 

[LiveLifeGoJump]

Having started out with gravel in my Juwel Rekord 70 I changed to sand a few weeks ago.

Go for sand, looks nicer, cats prefer it (as do the other fish) & it's far easier to keep clean.

I'll not change back.

 

[nukeonekitty]

Just a quick add about the sand, if you do end up using it please remember to run your fingers or net or whatever through it to prevent toxic pockets from developing in the sand!

 

[QuotheRaven]

Sand is better as it looks nicer than gravel however I believe beginners should use gravel first then move onto the more advanced sand as sand is more complex to keep clean than gravel.

 

[vic]

I have a simple question. I'm going to be getting a 40 or 50/55G tank in December or Early January... I want to have an under gravel filter as it seems it picks up more stuff? So can I use a sandy substrate to should I use something like Small Creek Pebbles(available at Petco)?

Also if you use sand in a tank wouldn't the sand turn into mud?

Have a rethink on the under gravel cess pool. These have pretty much gone the way of the dodo.
Cheers;

 

[Fishrockmysox]

Sand is better as it looks nicer than gravel however I believe beginners should use gravel first then move onto the more advanced sand as sand is more complex to keep clean than gravel.

I've been keeping fish 3-4 years now and I know a lot abput them. I guess I'll go with sand...