Aquarium Sand - Depth?

[Jaiden]

I have pepples right now in my tank as substrate and I really want to switch to sand. I'm just a bit confused, though. Maybe these questions have been answered somewhere already, but I've been searching and reading and I can't see it?

If I were to put sand in my tank, I realize if it's thicker than 2" I may have problems with lethal gas pockets? And I've read you can layer the sand on top of gravel with a mesh between. How easy would that be to clean? If I were to have just the sand, what could I do to prevent my fish from getting sick/dying? I was thinking of mixing in some of my larger pebbles and stones. I have a few plants, as well. And I've read that snails will help? I have 4 little Apple Snails. Would that work?

I really do not want to switch if it's going to be a huge hassel and if it's going to require a lot more maintenance I can't think of any other questions I had, but I'll post them if I do...

Thanks!

 

[SJ2K]

Remove the pebbles and have sand no more then 1" deep? Seems like a nice solution.

 

[rabbut]

MAlaysian trumpet snails are grate for stiring the sand, allowing plants to root better and stopping gas pockets. Gass pockets are noting to realy worry about unless the sand is deep (over two inches) but will need stiring if you don't have malasian trumpet snails, to prevent anairobic areas, blackening of the sand and those gas pockets.

HTH
Rabbut

 

[Jaiden]

I'll have to check to see if my lfs can get the trumpet snails. I've never seen them before How many snails would you suggest for a 4'x 1 1/2' tank?

If I were to add more than 2" of sand, and if I stirred it say every other day or so, would I have a problem with anairobic areas?

 

[rabbut]

I'll have to check to see if my lfs can get the trumpet snails. I've never seen them before How many snails would you suggest for a 4'x 1 1/2' tank?

If I were to add more than 2" of sand, and if I stirred it say every other day or so, would I have a problem with anairobic areas?

Malasian trumpet snails usualy come in on plants, and most LFS will have at least one tank with them in, but may not have put them there intentionaly Add arroung 20 to start, and they will multiply/die off to suit the tank. They are hardy, and non-plant-eating. Stiring everyother day will definately stop the gas pockets, but could be considered a little excesive. Weekly seams to be the usual regularity for stiring, though I neve do mine, ue to theose wonderful snails

HTH
Rabbut

 

[Jaiden]

Every week...gotcha I just didn't know how long it took to be dangerous, etc. etc. haha