Bottom Feeders/sand Lovers

[johno]

Hi all

Ive just changed from gravel to sand, and i read about the nasty toxic chemicals wich can build up under the sand.

So, my question is, what kind of fish are good for turning up the sand to prevent this?

Ive got a 24ish Gallon tank.

thanks

 

[rocknurworld2006]

best to turn the sand is mts

if ur lookign for an actual fish corys will sift about the sand for food but not as good as mts.

 

[johno]

best to turn the sand is mts

if ur lookign for an actual fish corys will sift about the sand for food but not as good as mts.

Im not a big snail fan... but from what i hear they do a crackin job

 

[rocknurworld2006]

best to turn the sand is mts

if ur lookign for an actual fish corys will sift about the sand for food but not as good as mts.

Im not a big snail fan... but from what i hear they do a crackin job

yes they do as they spend alot of time under the sand!

 

[justjon]

So if you have sand it becoms toxic... guess gravel is easier to keep then? How often do you need to turn it all over?

 

[rocknurworld2006]

So if you have sand it becoms toxic... guess gravel is easier to keep then? How often do you need to turn it all over?

it doent become toxic it can rarely

 

[KnuckleHead]

I use sand in all of my tanks. Play sand to be exact only because Im cheap. The bacteria that builds up under the sand id harmful for the fish but only in very large quantities. You'll have to do some pretty bad tank husbandry for that to happen. I stir my sand at every water change. Meaning once a week. I'll vacuum off the top, stir, then do a final sweep with the vacuum. I've never encountered any problems this way.

 

[TylerFerretLord]

'Toxic gas pockets' are not a problem.

Topic about it in the Scientific Section.

 

[gowing238]

'Toxic gas pockets' are not a problem.

Topic about it in the Scientific Section.

Ive kept tanks with sand bottoms for years and have never even heard of this phenomenen! wives tale to stop u buying 2.50 play sand if u ask me. Whats at the bottom of most rivers? Sand! the only thing that kills fish is raw sewage

 

[pixelpefekt]

best to turn the sand is mts

if ur lookign for an actual fish corys will sift about the sand for food but not as good as mts.

Excuse me but what's mts. I know this is probably obvious...

 

[TylerFerretLord]

Malaysian trumpet snails.

 

[davefish]

Horseface loaches are great for this.

They dig/bury/live in the sand, as well as sifting it: in through the mouth, out through the gills.

 

[Straydum]

then again the whole sand issue is a myth. so you shouldn't be worried about overturning the sand.

 

[johno]

Ahhh i see, Ive been out and bought 2 albino corys today anyway