Substrate

[Rush07]

I am getting ready to set up my new (used) 110 gallon and was going to use sand as a substrate. I was warned at my LFS that sand can do signifacant damage to filter impellers and did not recommend it. Anyone with using sand agree/disagree? Replacement parts are too expensive if that is the case but I want to make sure this is true. If I don't go with sand I am thinking of very large gravel.

 

[YahooFishKeeper]

as long as you rinse it REALLY good, and let it settle, before you turn on the filter it should be ok... you might want to stir it sometimes, so you dont get any nasties, and also so it doesnt compact.

 

[PlecoCollector]

I've never had trouble with sand in my filter... though I do find sand to be incredibly difficult to clean. I don't really like how all the junk shows up so well in it either. Small/Medium gravel is my preference

 

[Kay]

I prefer gravel... My husband got a bright idea to get red sand and I had it in the tank for about 40 minutes and didnt like it. Besides the fact that it was bright red (which was really creapy), the sand was sooo hard to take out. Gravel is easier...