wondering about sand

[flips]

i really like the idea of sand... seems so much nicer than gravel. just wondering what kind of a process it would be to change it over to sand. can (aquarium) sand just be 'added' once gravel is gone ?

 

[guppymonkey]

Well, sand can be more work in some instances. I have heard some horror stories about it being very difficult. Part of it depends on the fish that you have. If you have large fish that like to dig up the substrate they will make a mess in sand. When they dig they would stir up the sand and sand would possibly get sucked up into the filter and that could ruin the filter.

Also sand can compact over time and you could end up with "dead" spots in the tank where anaerobic bacteria could build up. If that pocket of bacteria was to be released by you stirring up the sand then all of the fish in the tank would basically die instantly.

It can work, but it can also be a little more difficult than gravel.

 

[SkiFletch]

I dont know the answer to this, but if he wants the lighter look for his substrate that sand offers, is crushed coral an option for freshwater setups, or does it leech too much in therms of solutes that would add to water hardness?

 

[Annastasia]

The-Wolf has written an awesome article about sand, and it should answer most (if not all) of your questions. Here's a link:

Sand in your tropical fish aquarium