Substrate/sand?

[`Peter]

Hi currently using normal gravel for my 24gal/90 liter tank. Was thinking of completely changing the substrate to using some sort of sand, quartz sand substrate. Was wondering if it would affect the growth of any of my current plants which I have (amazon swords and a small assortment of potted plants) along with the driftwood and rocks I also have with them. Based on past experience would a more sandier substrate be the way to go and how would it affect the pH of a more acidic tank with gouramis, angels, and corydas?

Listing any complications and benefits for the switch would help loads =)

 

[fishguy2727]

Silica based sand won't alter pH.

Sand is a better substrate for plants.

 

[Geoff-]

Sand is a better substrate for plants.

I was a bit worried that sand would be anoxic but after trying to uproot one of my amazon swords to move it, the root system was proof enough that the sword was loving it!!

 

[fishguy2727]

The type of sand can cause problems. I don't suggest using cheapo sands that are not made for aquariums.

 

[Tizer]

my Argos play sand isnt made for aquariums, but it works brilliantly and its 1/10th of the price of aquarium sand

 

[Louiseness]

I'm using the B&Q Kiln-dried sand and it's the first time I've ever had new shoots on a plant (swords) EVER.

 

[StandbySetting]

Don't worry about anaerobic or anoxic zones, they only become a problem if you're implementing a deep sand bed, where oxygen depletion due to the oxidation of Hydrogen Sulfide may occur, most set ups don't have deep sand beds will be fine.

I've never had any problems with play sand and would recommend it.

 

[`Peter]

thanks for advice might consider it. I have heard that some people still put a little bit of gravel around the plants along with the sand. Is this necessary to do and should I do it. I'm planning on getting some good aquarium sand btw

 

[StandbySetting]

Not necessary at all.

 

[mike rolly]

I have recently changed to a sand substrate after a few years of gravel. Wish I had done this years ago to be honest. 'Aquarium sand' is simply over priced white polished sand used in landscaping.

Go to your local garden centre and ask for a bag of this sand, it usually comes in 30kg bags, so you will have more than enough for several large tanks.

I still washed mine, added about 5kg to a 20 litre bucket with the hose running over the sand. Use something like a large soup ladle to turn the sand over as you are running the water over it. After a few minutes the water running off the sand will flow clear, this sand is now ready for your tank. I have a 5 cm substrate of sand in a 450 litre tank.

For the first couple of days the tank water will be slightly cloudy, use heaps of dechlorinator and change out the filter wool every day for 3 days. You will be rewarded with a crystal clear tank with a very nice substrate. The sand makes cleaning easier too, uneaten food and fish poo will show up easily against the white colour of the sand. I just use a flexible 15mm diameter clear PVC tubing to clean and water change. When you are cleaning, try and keep the tip of the tube about 3 cm from the sand, you do not want to be sucking out any sand. Use a circular motion to cause the unwanted particles to float off the sand so you can capture it through your hose.

Plants grow well too.

Mike

 

[`Peter]

thanks so much for advice will look to start the change this week