Is sand bad for catfish?

[thechristophershow]

I have a black sand substrate and am wondering if it will be difficult for any future bottom feeders I add to the tank to get food from it. Also wondering if it's harmful to them.

 

[FishDad]

I believe its preferrable. I know its good for cory cats.

 

[thechristophershow]

That seems to be what others are telling me on other forums too. Interesting. Thanks.

 

[exhumed07]

i've never had an issue with sand with any fish. u can see them picking up food and spitting the sand out or send it through their gills. sand to me tends to be more of an issue with the filters. about every 2 years i have to replace the impellars in my tanks.

 

[FishDad]

I keep my intakes high up. Seems to help.

 

[exhumed07]

mine are too but my cichlids are very active and kicking up alot of sand. one side of my 55 has about half an inch of sand and the other has about 8 inches of sand and in a couple months that will change as they dig and move it to the other side of the tank lol. and then in my 30 with my sunfish he is just a jerk. he is constantly attacking his reflection and splashing water out of the tank as well as stirring up clouds of sand. but maybe i'm just lucky like that lol.