Another Sand Topic

[justjon]

Hi guys,

I've purchased a new Fluval 205 Filter today to replace my Juwel Lido 120 internal - What i'm going to be doing is replacing the gravel with sand within the next few weeks (once filters are settled down).

A few things;

I have two Bulldog Plecos, will they really cause a mess on the sand, and will it be hard to clean?

How often will I need to clean it?

What's the best sand to use?

What plants can I have in the tank that'll go with sand? I'm looking at the Java route to cover over a piece or two of my bogwood and perhaps the coconut cave.

Thanks!

 

[SimoUK]

Sand is eaasssy to clean, just takes practice, swirl the gravel vac around and it will create a whirlwind, and only the poo will get sucked up as it lifts off the sand bed.

 

[elisew]

I started with gravel, then changed to pebbles but have now changed to sand and have to say that the sand is much nicer looking, easier to clean and is better for the fish I have i.e cichlids, loaches, plec and corys.

If you have or can get a gravel cleaner that has a 'strainer' fitment on the end just swirl over the top of the sand and it`ll pick up all the poo with no problems.

Planting in my opinion is easier with sand and all of my plants have grown really well since changing to sand, there`s Anubias, Amazon Swords and Dwarf sag in mine but most proper aquatic plants can be planted in sand.
Have a google for unipac sand and you`ll be able to get some idea of colours and prices......I`ve just paid £14.99 for a 25kg bag of unipac sand which is an adequate amount for my current tank (180ltr). I know some of the members here use Argos play sand in their tanks, it just depends on your preference and pocket really.

 

[justjon]

Thanks elise, my LFS does sand (25kg) for £13.99 - but it has grains of black in it, I really want the really nice pure-white effect sand, preferably one that wouldn't need washing!

Good comments so far, really makes me want to get going. I'm taking a stanley knife to my internal Juwel filter over the next few days aswell

 

[elisew]

Sounds like you`re looking at something like white silica sand?

I can`t give any advice on that to be honest as I`ve never used it myself but I`m positive others will be able to give you advice on it. I decided against it as I was told the white sand gets to the point of looking dirtier quicker, plus you will be able to notice the poo more against the lightness of the sand. I currently have unipac 'congo' but will hopefully be changing to 'limpopo which is darker. Both can be seen here: http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/unipac-congo-aquarium-sand-125kg-p-2826.html.

The darker the sand the more the colour of the plants and fish will stand out. Again, it depends on your own preference though

 

[elisew]

Just wanted to add........even if you get a white/light coloured sand do make sure you give it a good wash first. Just because it`s a light colour doesn`t mean it won`t have lots of dust and crap in it. Usually a good rinse 3 or 4 times in a bucket will clean it enough.
If you add the sand and then fill the tank, try to pour the water onto a dinner plate or similar, it`s less likely to leave the water all cloudy when you`re done