Sand ?

[Tropicalfishfn2k]

Ok i read the the pinned post on subsitrate on sand and it said a few negative things about it. It said anaerobic pockets and silt. Now i guess i am confused, is it common to get anaerobic pockets ? Because i am thinking about getting sand in a new tank i am going to set up.

 

[dthoffsett]

Really the only time you'll get anaerobic pockets large enough to harm the fish is if you piles it more than 3-4 inches high and never stir the sand. Even so, you'll want to stir the sand around once a month or so. It also helps if you have bottom feeders like cories, and some loaches who constantly sift the sand. I have sand in my tank and I like it alot better than gravel.

 

[Iron Man]

I've had sand for years and it only needs stirring every so often, say from every couple months to every few months.....according to how stocked it is. Just make sure that when you do stir it.....stir it ALL....not just what isn't buried under decor/rocks. That is where many people skip and wind up with dead fish.....which is still rare...but it does happen.