sand or gravel

[kushball21]

Can you put sand in a freshwater tank or would it get sucked up by the filter and if you can is it easier or harder than gravel when cleaning the tank? Thanks


30 gal tank
2 needle nose
4 needle nose fry
2 blue iridescent sharks
3 mystery snails
6 freshwater clams

 

[CatLover]

Yes, you can use sand in a freshwater setup. The filter won't suck it out.
I have heard that it's much easier to keep clean, and it raises your pH a tad.
I personally have never setup a tank with sand, but I would like to replace my gravel with it very soon.
I'm interested in learning about sand too!

 

[Ben]

ye i was just gonna ask the same question..........and also if you have sand will plecos be okay or will they suck up the sand or sumthing like that?

 

[CatLover]

Yep, they'll be great. Suckermouth cats love sand - especially cories! Plus it's easier on their barbles.

 

[Dragonscales]

I am thinking of changing from gravel to sand in a few weeks, from what I've read, putting the sand in a bucket and running water into the bucket till it overflows and takes away all the smaller particles is the best way to stop it blowing all over the tank. Just keep running water till the water coming out is clear. Dunno how well it works but when/if I do change I'll keep ya all posted
Sand is also supposed to compact alot more than gravel so you're supposed to stir it around a bit every so often. You can't use an undergravel filter or it compacts it more. It's also supposed to be easier to clean the tanks because waste stays on top of the sand rather than going under it, just keep the vaccum slightly above the sand when cleaning and it'll also take away any tiny particles of sand that would cloud the water anyway.