change to sand and external filter?

[Paul_MTS]

I'm thinking about messing about with my not yet stocked fish tank again now.

As I'ved got a large varitey of plants coming and now after doing a bit of reading plants don't get on too well with UGF systems which I have....so I was thinking about changing to an external cannisterlike the Fluval 104, I'm not too sure on which is bet for my 25 gallon, or what shoudl i consider instead??

Also would plants do better in sand? I'ved just changed my filter media to granite chippings but I'd have to remove my UGF tray anyway.

please help me....my heads spinning!!

Or should I try and get another tank and kit that out with tanks instead? just a case of where to put it

 

[Link]

I'd go with the Fluval 104 external for the tank. I had a 25 gallon tank when I was nine with a Fluval 103 (the older model) I'm now 26 and the filter still works great. I've only ever replaced the media

Sand looks great and the plants will love it. If your a perfectionist you might get anoyed with the build up of muck on the top. It aint the easiest stuff to remove without taking the sand with it. Fine 2-3mm pea gravel is another option. Have a look at substrates on the web and see what takes your fancy. Just because it says it's great for plants though doesn't mean you'll notice a difference

 

[Paul_MTS]

I'll go about getting my local man to get me one then, hopefully he will be the same sort of price as mail order places.

I think I'll go with sand that way I can have a better range of species as some damge there barbels on bigger substrate. How many pounds will I need to cover a 36x11 bottom most places sell it in 50lbs, is that fine or way to much for my needs?