Best Substrate?

[Steffyboy]

Hi guys
 
Already have a 4ft tropical tank with a sand substrate but I'm getting another tank and planning on setting it up as a cold water one with some fantails in.
What would you recommend for the best substrate for them?
I'm looking to put sand in but I'm not 100% sure if it's best.
Any help would be great thanks.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Goldfish like to munch off the substrate so I'd go with small smooth stuff, sand isn't necessarily the best option, but it does have advantages for this type of situation. 
 
1) Cheap.  No need to bother planting it as they'll just rip anything up.  So, there's no need for any other type of substrate in terms of nutrients.
 
2) Waste can't disappear.  Goldies are rather good at making waste, so having it visible will make it easier to remove.  (Although it could be unsightly.)
 
3) Won't cause them to get gravel stuck in their mouths.  (As a kid I had a goldfish - common - won from a carnival.  We had 'standard' gravel and I saw it 'choking' on the gravel on a few occasions.  Heck, that may be what killed it eventually - 2 years old.)

 

[Steffyboy]

Thanks Eaglesaquarium.
Gone for the sand option as i have tons of the the stuff so might as well since it's there!
RIP to your fish by the way

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Thanks.  That was 25 years ago!