What would be the best type of sand to use as a substrate? Is it easy to get hold of and should I mix it with some gravel/stones on the surface?

Also, do you clean sand tanks with a gravel vac? And doe sit not suck up sand?

Thanks

If you use the search option sand as a substrate has been covered many many times. Essentially most use cheap "Play Sand" from argos, as it costs about £4 for a 15kg sack.

Thanks, just realised there are loads of posts!!

Play sand it is.

As DevUK says, I got mine from Argos its Play sand and is 3.99 for 15k. Cleaning with a gravel cleaner can be done with a little practice or I clean mine with a small net first to get the big bits up, then use the gravel cleaner for the finer stuff. Putting gravel or stones on the surface is up to you as thats a matter of personal taste.

Play sand I will go for then. Do I need to have gravel underneath or should I?

Thanks

Nope just use sand. No need for gravel unless it's further decorations to your taste.

When cleaning sand, stir up the sand once in a while to stop bad bacteria growing in the sand bed and when water changing I just use a normal tube to hover over the surface sucking up the waste.