Sand Bottoms

[Redbled]

Guess I never realized you could have Cichlids in a sand bottom, thought that was just for rays and Marine fish. What does it take to accomplish this, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of a sand substrate?

 

[Dave]

Hi Redbled,
I am soon going to be changing to sand. I have gained alot of info from this site about sand substrates. Ill try and find some of my old posts and put a link in for you. ( If I can work out how to do it).

Basically Sand is good for fish with delecate mouths and soft bellies. It does look good and im sure it makes your water go slightly harder (correct me if im wrong guys). There does seem to be alot more disadvantages of it though, (Im still changing) It can easily clog your filter, its harder to clean, Plants don't do to well just in sand, oh and aparantly if you have your sand deeper than 1" you can get dead spots

Still I think the fact that its more natural (for some fish) and it looks good its worth it. ( im thinking of having gravel at the back with my rocks etc and san at the front)

Well I hope ive helped a little im all knowleged out now, but im sure the other guys will have more info for you.

 

[kevin007]

1 combination i really like was when the sand and pond rocks combined, the pond rocks round so it would not hurt ur fish but the other advantage is that i can have rocks and sand, kuhli loches will love that combination!

 

[Ace Rimmer]

I'd say one disadvantage of a sandy bottom would be water clouds up easier

wouldn't it???

 

[pebbles]

i haven't had that problem ,i'm new to sand but i started this tank to put some of my corys in , so far the sand is staying firmly on the bottom . may be a different story should you add an air wall or anything tho. pebbles

 

[Dave]

Sorry Redbled I couldn't work out how to post the link, but if you search "Sand or Gravel" and on page 7 one of my old posts is there. its called Sand or Gravel - which one?

Any advice on how you add the link in people?

 

[EddieW]

Here is the link to Dave's thread.

To link to a thread open it up and copy the entire URL from the address bar. Then create your reply or new post in the appropriate place and use Alt-H or click the http/ button and paste (Ctrl-V) the URL into the first prompt. Put the text you want to show up as the link in the second box and voila, you have a link.

My original community tank has gravel, my next (largest) tank has a layer of gravel covered with a layer of sand (mixed in places by the kribs now ). My latest tank which is going to be for small community fish has a sand only substrate. I use bubble walls/wands in all of my tanks and I don't get any problems with filters clogging or sand in the water, but maybe I just got lucky. I will admit to using a proper river sand at £12.50 for 25kg rather than the cheaper sand options from DIY stores which may or may not help.

HTH, Eddie

 

[Dave]

Ahh so that so thats how you do it. Thanks EddieW.

 

[teknikz]

i used sand in my first set up but it stinks........really does smell horid but it looks excellent......ive got gravel in both my tanks and the plec's and kuhli loaches dont seem to mind it.....theyre always skimmin the surface lookin for food

Tek

 

[-=DG=-]

I'd say one disadvantage of a sandy bottom would be water clouds up easier

wouldn't it???

And i would imagine it being uncomfotable to sit on as well

You can have sand with any fish as long as your filter doesnt suck it up. Because even when the fish eat it, it comes back out (if you get what i mean).