Sand or gravel?

[SimonA]

So what should i use sand or gravel in my tank?

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

Hi SimonA,

I suppose this can be dependant on the type of fish you're gonna be keeping, but I think most fishes won't mind either way.

Another question you may need to consider it how easy would sand/gravel be easier to clean. Personally, I prefer medium-sized gravel. Better aeration and cleanability.

The choice is yours.

 

[yhbae]

Look for pool filter sand. These aren't really sand - rather, they are small grains perfect for the aquariums. Its small snough not to trap much crap and large enough that they don't get sucked into the vac easily.

Tried sand, tried gravels of different sizes. PFS is the easiest to maintain and also looks very good. (See the picture of my 25g tank).

 

[Teelie]

I'd definitely go with Pool Filter sand. The stuff is great and if you have bottom dwellers, it's definitely the stuff to use over other substrates.

 

[Loach Man]

I use black Sand from Tahiti. really makes the fish pop they show up really good.

 

[clutterydrawer]

where does this mysterious pool filter sand come from? i've only ever heard it mentioned on this site!

 

[yhbae]

Go to the swimming pool supply store - I was never able to find PFS from hardware stores before.

 

[clutterydrawer]

"swimming pool supply shop"??? Must be an american thing. i've never heard of such a place.

 

[yhbae]

Hmm... I did live in UK for about 7 years of my life, and if my memory serves right, it isn't the best place to have outdoor pools... Perhaps you can call some DYI shops to see if they carry them? There must be some stores who carry some pool supplies for those rich nabours who can afford indoor pools...

 

[clutterydrawer]

Yeah I guess logically there must be _some_ pools in the UK and they must get their stuff from somewhere, otherwise they couldn't exist....I'll have a look. Thanks for your help.

 

[yhbae]

Also, at least in Canada, this stuff is much cheaper than the aquarium gravels. I purchased a bag for $5CA, and I used up less than half of it to cover 25g tank. It is only slightly more expensive than sand.