A Couple Of Questions About Sand

[Neal]

If I got playsand for my tank, would the plec like it or would he prefer gravel? Also, if I got playsand, how would I clean it? Is there some special way? And if I did get sand, can plants grow in it if you plant them under the sand?
Take your time replying as this is just for future referance and it isn't an emergency, i'm just wondering about these things because if I ever get a nice big tank, i'd like to put sand in it.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

IMO plecs will prefer sand as it is more gentle on their bellies and they can burrow in it. Plants can grow in sand ok but perhaps not as well rooted as they would in gravel. Personally to combat this, I have take to planting in pots and very shallow dishes (like the saucers for mini plant pots), putting a layer of gravel on the bottom then covering with sand.

As for cleaning sand, it is easier than with gravel but you'll want a syphon/vac. Hovering accross the top is all that is required as well as a stir around of the sand every so often to prevent aerobic pockets (unless you have a thin layer and fish that dig a lot ).