To Sand Or Not Too Sand?

[Koliis]

I have heard and read mixed reviews about using sand instead of gravel. Not only for esthetic reasons, but because plants thrive better in sand!? So my question is should I try sand? And what kind? I don't have any fish that dwell under sand that can clean it, and I like that its a more natural habitat, but it also means for some kind of "pocket" of nasty I won't get with gravel. What to do?!

 

[RyanV]

I recommend reading this guide --> http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/131373-sand-as-substrate-a-quick-primer/

 

[raptorrex]

I recommend reading this guide --> http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/131373-sand-as-substrate-a-quick-primer/

top thread that.
however. it seems clear now. there is no need to fear the build up of gasses, beneath the sand. and, therefore no need to stir, or even address it really. it just bubbles up and vents from the top of the tank. causing no harm to the inside.

as to Sand or no Sand. its mostly up to your own personal taste.

I loved it, but with my then stock, it was way to hard to keep looking good.
and, if you have active/skittish fish, it gets in your filter. bumping up maintenance.

if you are thinking of planting. try adding a layer of Fullers Earth, below the sand. its great for plants and gives them a much firmer base. it also allows you, within reason, to contour your tank bottom.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

I like sand in my small tank but hated it in my large tank... I always saw the debris and ended up cleaning it 1-2 times per day. I'd much rather thoroughly clean the gravel 2 times per week.

In my small tank I've done both gravel and sand mostly for the ease with the plants there. I've created hills with the sand and then surrounded them with the gravel.

Anyhow... my only problem was the cleaning.

 

[Salam]

I'm going to throw something possibly new into the mix for you - cat litter! It's great for growing plants as it keeps all the nutrients. Are you in the UK or USA or somewhere else? If you are in the UK, it's Tesco's low dust cat litter that you want to get as it is safe for fish. Have a quick look at my Rio journal (best go straight to one of the last pages) to see what it looks like.

I have sand in some tanks (the ones with cories in as they prefer that), but I agree with the above, it shows the dirt much easier, especially if you have a pleco poop machine in it

 

[garyspence84]

Iv always been a fan of gravel, fine gravel though, not the thicker stuff.

I have fine gravel with smooth edges, and I think it looks great (but I would), and my corys don't seem to mind it either.

But I have saw some fine looking sand tanks, it has to be said. Some lovely tanks. But its all about personal preference. If you like of, get it

 

[Botch]

I used gravel once, in my 75g Oscar tank, and I didn't like it so I switched it back to sand. There's a lot of nice and pretty sand at the LFS. Usually it's pretty pricey though. I go down to Lowes or Home Deport and buy regular old play sand. It's about $8 for 50 lbs...compared to LFS which can go for $25 for 25 lbs.

Fish waste will be more visible on sand. I had to learn to hold my gravel back at an angle an inch or so above the sand so I didn't suck all the sand up. I still like to put gravel in the area around the filter intake...but I'm paranoid about sucking up sand, and it helps keep my moss away from that area.

 

[FishLover66]

Definitely sand. But I wouldn't put anything too fine. I like pool filter sand.

 

[Koliis]

Thank you all for your input. I love the look of sand. So after I get my tank cycled and thing calm down, I'm gonna try it, and see how it goes. I'm thinking doing a "dirt" layer then doing a play sand layer on top of that. I'm excited!!