Question About Sand

[Dana C]

I decided to change the gravel in my tank a few weeks ago for a different colour and received some very helpful advice on here so thanks for that. But after looking at pictures of tanks on here I think I would like to try sand instead as it looks so much better. I have been reading how to clean it before using but I have a stupid question, I am going to try live plants after changing my gravel so do I just use sand or do you put something underneath it? Will plants grow in just sand?
Sorry for the stupid question but before coming on here I didn't know you could use sand.
Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[dreworz5]

i dont know the answer to your question, bit i just bought some gravel cause i did not have enough for a larger tank. I was trying to bled 2 different colors and make it look ok. but know i look at the sand and wish i did not waste the mnoney on the gravel, as i like the sand much better. i too did not know you could use sand.

i thibnk the sand is going to grow increasingly popular as many people seem to be chaging over as the like it better.

 

[CluelessScot]

I have sand and my plants are doing ok... My vallis is growing a little too much and taking over the tank.

 

[CBTF]

like i said in another thread, you guys may really like sand but be prepared to clean more..

 

[Dorkhedeos]

well, after you rinse the sand out, its very easy to clean. all the junk stays on top of the sand because it cant go in between the grains of sand so you can just vacuum the surface. with gravel, all of that crap gets jammed in between the gravel and you have to make sure all that crap gets out when you clean your tank

 

[Dana C]

Thanks for all your comments, I have decided to change to sand so do I just remove the gravel make sure the bottom of the tank is clean and put in the sand after rinsing it. I think I read on here that you use about 1.5" is this right?
Are there any tropical fish that can't go with sand because I have a platy that sometimes eats of the bottom will this be a problem?
sorry just one more question, how long do you have to wait before putting the fish back in the tank?

 

[smurfyy_2k3]

i love my sand and really think its the better choice if you keep it clean by just gliding your gravel vac above the top of the sand it really looks good. my plants when i bought them had no roots and were very small now they touch the top of the water and ive trimmed them back twice

 

[Dana C]

Thanks for all your comments, I will be buying the play sand from Argos next week and I think my cories will like it more than the gravel I have at the moment.

 

[dreworz5]

thank you all for making me feel terrible, as i feel i wasted time and money on gravel, now ill will probably end up buying sand, as i am just getting ready to start my aqarium.

 

[Dana C]

I know what you mean I have only had my gravel about 4 months. Your not the only one who wishes they had started with sand and saved their money.

 

[dreworz5]

hope there is somethig else i can think of to use the gtravel for.

i going to go out tomorrow moring and wasted money on a aqaarium stand, sand and maybe a new heater, mine is pretty old and dirty. ther only about $8 so i might get one

man i have had a bad day i really need to gwet my act together in school, has not been good.

 

[fishboytoo]

hope there is somethig else i can think of to use the gtravel for.

i going to go out tomorrow moring and wasted money on a aqaarium stand, sand and maybe a new heater, mine is pretty old and dirty. ther only about $8 so i might get one

man i have had a bad day i really need to gwet my act together in school, has not been good.

You could put it little bags, label it as magic rocks and sell it to unsuspecting local children and anyone else lacking in substantial mental capabilities. That is, if you lack a conscience.

I too have a bunch of surplus gravel. If you come up with a better idea for it, let me know.

 

[dreworz5]

i sure will

 

[AncientMariner]

I too prefare the look of sand but from the tanks I've seen they tend to look quite scuffy with all the brown poop showing up more visually on the white or yellow sand?

 

[DoyouWantsum]

like i said in another thread, you guys may really like sand but be prepared to clean more..

I too prefare the look of sand but from the tanks I've seen they tend to look quite scuffy with all the brown poop showing up more visually on the white or yellow sand?

Just get corys, they keep the sand tidy. they constantly shuffle about in the sand witch nocks the poop back into the water movement (flow(current)) until it ends up being sucked up by your filter. My sand is sparkling clean.

I really believe sand is much easier to keep clean.

And as an added bonus corys are amazing to watch.