Sand Vs Gravel

[xFlx]

Is there any advantages/disadvantages to either sand versus gravel (takes longer to settle, easier to see debris ect..)? I like the way sand looks, never used it... Is it harder to clean (does the siphon tube suck it up) and can you plant live plants in it?

 

[Steve69]

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=273198

 

[snowflake311]

Sand Pros
looks good
Fish love to dig in it
plants stay well rooted
poop can't sink to bottom
CON
gets messed quickly.

Gravle Pros
does not get sucked up when cleaning.
Fish can't rearrange it as well.
looks clean
CON
It's really hard to get all he poop out of in once it sinks.
If too big plants don't say rooted as well.

 

[Tu13es]

If you've got a layer of soil underneath a layer of gravel, and some live plants, the fact that poop sinks through the gravel can be a good thing. This will let the plants use the waste as nutrients.

http/thegab.org/Articles/WalstadTank.html

 

[xFlx]

Ahh...thanks alot. my tank JUST finished cycling, if i switch the substrate now will it upset the cycle?