Sand Or Fine Gravel

[Rossy1977]

I can't decide whether to go for sand or fine (2 or 3mm) gravel for the substrate in my new Fluval Roma 200. Other than looks are there any other consideratiuons regarding plant or fish selection when choosing between sand or gravel?

Many thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

If you want to keep any catfish or loaches (except suckermouths/plecs), you should go for sand rather than gravel, as they like to dig in sand and gravel doesn't allow them to do that; it can also wear away their barbels if the gravel is too sharp or rough

 

[laura120381]

+1. bottom feeding fish generally prefer sand and it is much better for their health for the reasons mentioned by flutter above. sand gives a more natural appearance (IMO) and is relatively easy to clean and maintain. it is also cheaper than gravel if you buy play sand. make sure to clean it well before adding it to your tank.

good luck.

L

 

[Swainy]

Make sure you do clean it thoroughly. When I first got my tank I made the mistake of not cleaning it properly before adding the water. Was like looking at a tank of milk.

Sand all the way!

 

[Rossy1977]

Thanks all, that's 3-0 to sand so far I've read that sand isn't the best for planted tanks....do any of you have any advice on this?

 

[fluttermoth]

I have lots of plants in my sand tanks; the only slight problem you might have is plants floating, but you can easily overcome that by putting a few pebbles around the roots to hold them in place until they get rooted in.

 

[steve1]

sorry for the thread hi-jack

but ive been contemplating on this one aswell so fine sand is fine for bottom feeder's and easier too clean then gravel?

 

[fluttermoth]

Sand is much better for bottom feeders than gravel; I wouldn't keep anything with barbels on gravel.

It is easier to clean, as all the poop sits on top where you can get to it, rather than falling through the gaps and disappearing, like it does with gravel.

The main disadvantage is that you can't use a gravel cleaner, in the conventional way, as you'd suck up too much sand, but you either learn to swirl up the dirt, holding the gravel cleaner a little above the sand, or use a plain sypgon tube, again held a little way above.

You will always pick up a bit of sand, but you just rinse it out in your bucket and tip it back in with your new water

 

[steve1]

could possibly make something too syphon the sand off from the debris out of the tank

 

[mishmash]

Remember you dont have to go with light sand if you dont want it too.... Unipac do a range of darker sands like senegal or samoa and they come in fine or courser grades.

I was trying to source a sand called Estes Reef Sand (aka stoney river) but no one seems to have a clue where to get it, including my LFS who stocks ESTES stuff !!!!