How Deep Should My Sand Be?

[Rob5]

I have just upgraded from a 125litre tank to a 200 litre tank.The tank size is 100cm x 47cm x 50cm. Does anybody have any suggestions on how deep i should have the sand in the bottom of my tank. At the moment it is about 7cm deep and im a little concerned i have too much in there!!!!
Rob

 

[Aqua Tom]

I have just upgraded from a 125litre tank to a 200 litre tank.The tank size is 100cm x 47cm x 50cm. Does anybody have any suggestions on how deep i should have the sand in the bottom of my tank. At the moment it is about 7cm deep and im a little concerned i have too much in there!!!!
Rob

Thats fine, mine is quite deep at the front & slopes up toward the back. I have never measured the depth but it is probably more than 70mm in some parts.

Tom

 

[Jay-93]

That's far too much I think, it's generally an inch, maximum.

 

[Ruskull]

I've read that it should be about 1 inch at the front & no more than 2 inches towards the back. You don't want it any deeper because some gas buildup or something like that. I also heard that sloping it like that helps keep the uneaten food & fish poo settling at the lowest point in the front, where you can easily see it & remove/vacuum it.

 

[zuulan]

You just need enough to be able to root the plants you keep. Don't forget the more sand you have, the less water you have and I'm guessing that's why you upgraded in the first place.

 

[Cazgar]

Sloping it also makes the tank look better, it gives it depth.
1-2 inches is plenty.
Depending what fish you have though, they might decide to reshape it

 

[cynic]

Sloping it also makes the tank look better, it gives it depth.
1-2 inches is plenty.
Depending what fish you have though, they might decide to reshape it

Hmm 50-60mm in mine too although i don't really have a front as such. Its a good idea to move any driftwood around every couple of weeks and fork the sand to keep it fresh if roots allow.

 

[Rob5]

Thanks guys, think I will remove some sand. Not going to slope the sand afterwards, the corys rearrange it how they want!!!

 

[Jay-93]

I tried sloping my sand. I had a fair few Apistos. Woke up in the morning and it looked like the surface of the moon there were that many craters!