sand!
- Thread starter razorblade
- Start date
Theres one fish I wouldn't have with sand, Ancistrus.
I have just redone my 45, smoothed the sand out nicely, replaced the bogwood and 2 hours later there is sand everywhere, he has been burrowing under the wood to hide again.
He does not need to do this as there are loads of hiding places, he just does.
I have just redone my 45, smoothed the sand out nicely, replaced the bogwood and 2 hours later there is sand everywhere, he has been burrowing under the wood to hide again.
He does not need to do this as there are loads of hiding places, he just does.
Hi razor,
Well, i actuall like sand better myself but, have all gravel
The benifits of sand are that it is compact and won't let in things like excess fish food.........the bad thing is the water changes, if you use a siphon which will probally take up some sand. >One more thing there is if you use sand and plan on using a UGF( ) you won't be able to because the grains will go in between the grate.
The benefits of gravel are that you can choose from a variety of colors,probally lets the water flow through easilier which then the "good" bacteria may help with biological filtration whch will help before it flows into the filter.One of the bad things is that it will let in food into the crannies and the cause it to decay and foul your water.Yet again another bad point in gravel is if you have fish that dig because sometimes the eat the gravel and it either gets in their organs or it has them unable to eat other food and eventually die.Hopefuly that was right about the organ thing but, i think it is :Tell me if you disagree
* Both I think are good with plants unless you are using an UGF.
So it is really a matter of taste
Good luck,
Daniel
Well, i actuall like sand better myself but, have all gravel
The benifits of sand are that it is compact and won't let in things like excess fish food.........the bad thing is the water changes, if you use a siphon which will probally take up some sand. >
One more thing there is if you use sand and plan on using a UGF( ) you won't be able to because the grains will go in between the grate.The benefits of gravel are that you can choose from a variety of colors,probally lets the water flow through easilier which then the "good" bacteria may help with biological filtration whch will help before it flows into the filter.One of the bad things is that it will let in food into the crannies and the cause it to decay and foul your water.Yet again another bad point in gravel is if you have fish that dig because sometimes the eat the gravel and it either gets in their organs or it has them unable to eat other food and eventually die.
Hopefuly that was right about the organ thing but, i think it is :Tell me if you disagree * Both I think are good with plants unless you are using an UGF.
So it is really a matter of taste
Good luck,
Daniel
;D
well i think i will be changing to sand, i have always liked the look of it better then gravel. and it is alot cheper then gravel. well it is in Australia. i am thinking of also seting up another tank (i have already got 2) probably a smaller one with a betta or somthing and some snails. anyways bye
well i think i will be changing to sand, i have always liked the look of it better then gravel. and it is alot cheper then gravel. well it is in Australia. i am thinking of also seting up another tank (i have already got 2) probably a smaller one with a betta or somthing and some snails. anyways bye
[quote author=Franky099 link=board=freshwatergeneral&num=1005244551&start=0#6 date=11/10/01 at 19:18:41]
hmmmmmmmm.......Ive never thought of using sand in a freshy tank......I see ideas coming on....oh no....my poor credit card.......
:
Amy
[/quote]
Just go to home depot and you can get 50lb sand for 4$.
hmmmmmmmm.......Ive never thought of using sand in a freshy tank......I see ideas coming on....oh no....my poor credit card.......
:
Amy
[/quote]
Just go to home depot and you can get 50lb sand for 4$.
R
Im going to be using sand in my 20G once I fix the tank. :'( One side of the tank is busted so I have to replace the whole side. I just havent had the time yet. I hope to keep some african cichlids in it. I have seen some tanks with sand and they look beautiful. Im just concerned about the fish digging up the sand and making a mess in my filters.
First off, I'd recommend silica sand rather than playsand (both available at Home Depot or the like). Playsand compacts, and digging fish really stir it up. Silica sand (packaged as Decor Sand at Home Depot) is a lighter colour, when stirred it settles quicker, and plants grow better as their roots don't get crushed like they can with playsand. Another good option is to go to a place that sandblasts, and get some of the sand from there, it's usually silica sand.
Now,,,as for cleaning....sand needs to be rinsed really really well. Rinse small batches of it in a bucket until the water looks clear. I've also found that filling the tank with water BEFORE adding the sand works better. Then all you do is use a container full of the wet sand, and add the sand slowly to the BOTTOM of the tank. You should get minimal "floating" this way. Leave to settle for an hour or two, then start up the filter to completely clear the water. If there is a lot of sand floating (cloudy water) don't start up the filter, as the floaters will stop up the impeller.
Whoa...sorry to be so longwinded....
Now,,,as for cleaning....sand needs to be rinsed really really well. Rinse small batches of it in a bucket until the water looks clear. I've also found that filling the tank with water BEFORE adding the sand works better. Then all you do is use a container full of the wet sand, and add the sand slowly to the BOTTOM of the tank. You should get minimal "floating" this way. Leave to settle for an hour or two, then start up the filter to completely clear the water. If there is a lot of sand floating (cloudy water) don't start up the filter, as the floaters will stop up the impeller.
Whoa...sorry to be so longwinded....
Well Brad, that white film you get on the surface of your water could be the very fine sand particles that are light enough to float. If you have some surface agitation, it probably won't be there.
I get that white film with my Southdown sand (aragonite) when I first placed it in my tank.
I get that white film with my Southdown sand (aragonite) when I first placed it in my tank.
Hi all! With all of this discussion about sand, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with growing Echinodorus tenellus, Echinodorus quadrocostatis, and/or Sagittaria subulata in sand. Right now the tank has a bottom layer of Seachem Flourite (1 1/4", Seachem Onyx Sand (1" over that, and topped with about 1 3/4" of dark, very fine, smooth, lime-free gravel (2 - 3 mm.). I was considering creating an area of sand, to the front, with one (or more) of these plants. I know that corys prefer sand, but the C. Harbrosus in the tank seem to doing OK with the gravel. Suggestions anyone? What type of sand, etc. Thanks.
, Seachem Onyx Sand (1" over that, and topped with about 1 3/4" of dark, very fine, smooth, lime-free gravel (2 - 3 mm.). I was considering creating an area of sand, to the front, with one (or more) of these plants. I know that corys prefer sand, but the C. Harbrosus in the tank seem to doing OK with the gravel. Suggestions anyone? What type of sand, etc. Thanks.Have y’all ever seen that “weed mat” (for lack of knowing the proper term) that they sell at places like Home Depot? It’s usually gray. Anyway, it let’s moisture & air thru, but not plants, gravel, etc. What about putting that over the under gravel filters & pouring the sand on top of it?