A Mix Of Sand?

[RobberyinCSharp]

Hi everyone!

So, I got a new tank for Christmas! I'm ecstatic! This will be the first "real" tank I have besides my silly ten gallon beginners tank

I also began using live plants in my ten gallon, and intend to use sand in the new tnk with the plants transferred. I'm very excited about using sand for the first time; I think it looks beautiful...

It's a 20 gallon tank. I plan to stock it with:

1 Dwarf Gourami
3 Croaking Gouramis
1 Pearl Gourami
4 Lemon Tetra

or at least, this is the plan thus far. I have a few stocking ideas but this is my favorite. But that's beside the point. The point is, I was on the fence about whether or not to get beige sand or black sand. From what I understand, there's no "nutritional" difference between the two (provided that you purchase the same brand/quality sand). I will also put down a fertilizing layer of Flourite to help the plant nutrition.

But then the idea struck me - how about MIXING the sands!?
I always loved looking at professionally-made sand art (yes, I know that sounds a little ridiculous ) but when it's done as professional art, it's astounding to see.

I really want to create an environment that helps bring out the full beauty of my (soon-to-own) fish. Do you think this sets off too much of a "psychedelic" look, or would this flatter my fish, as well as create a healthy living environment?

Any feedback is much appreciated

 

[thereverendturtle]

It won't hurt anything to mix the sands. It won't be of any benefit to the fish, but as long as you like it, go for it.

 

[smokeyjo]

It would look cool if it works out like I'm imagining it. Would love to see a pic if u do decide to mix them

 

[Zikofski]

yes could look amazing if the two sand granolas are same size and u have same quantity then ye could look amazing please post pics with what you do i have seen in pets at home they mixed red and black gravel looked gd altho the red turned pinky under there lights but non the less i was thinking on mixing my blue gravel with some black

could you not buy a small bag and test it in your current tank? or test it out first? see if you like it if not go with what one looks best
hope this helps

 

[pkppv]

you MUST mix the sands before ever getting them wet, because if you try to mix them on the bottom of your tanks or while rinsing them you will have very shoddy results because wet sand clumps.

I hope i just saved you from a serious issue!

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

you MUST mix the sands before ever getting them wet, because if you try to mix them on the bottom of your tanks or while rinsing them you will have very shoddy results because wet sand clumps.

I hope i just saved you from a serious issue!

You did! Thank you so much!

 

[pkppv]

And its nice to see another connecticut fish keeper!!!

And yes, science does rule

 

[Zikofski]

you MUST mix the sands before ever getting them wet, because if you try to mix them on the bottom of your tanks or while rinsing them you will have very shoddy results because wet sand clumps.

I hope i just saved you from a serious issue!

il take a note of this too if think of doing the same cheers

 

[eaglesaquarium]

If you use Tizer's tartan paint, it would look even better.

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

If you use Tizer's tartan paint, it would look even better.

Ooh, what's that?

 

[eaglesaquarium]

If you use Tizer's tartan paint, it would look even better.

Ooh, what's that?

Sorry, you'll have to figure this out on your own...

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

And its nice to see another connecticut fish keeper!!!

And yes, science does rule

Gosh yes, it's about time! On this forum I feel like the black sheep just for being from America, haha

 

[karawr]

You feel like the black sheep.... I'm from Canada.

I would mix them in a little baggy to see what it looks like first.

But I think I would go all black myself.

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

So as much as I'm passionate about mixing sands as a pattern, the more I've learned about sand substrates, the less turned on I was by mixing them. Essentially, siphoning is going to be miserable. It'll mix up substrate from both parts during water changes and probably turn into a wretched wreck fairly quick.

So....here's a big question. For best flattering my fishs' colors and their tank, do I use black or beige sand? I'm going to be adding Chocolate Gouramis, lemon tetras (or rummy nose tetras or neon tetras), croaking Gouramis and Otto cats.

 

[Fishy friend2]

I would go with beige Sand if I were you