Changing From Gravel To Sand?

[danb]

Hi,

Im looking at clearing out my 240 litre tank and put the fish from that into my 180 litre and set the 240 litre tank up ready for some discus i have coming in a few weeks. Another reason for this is the 240 litre needs cleaning as i lost a fish a week back from NTD so it needs a clean.

However, i am wanting to give sand a go for them instead of the gravel currently in there. They will be newly born discus maybe 1-2 months old. I have a juwel internal filter which goes all the way to the bottom of the tank (juwel rio 240).

Will sand be okay in here?
What criters can i get to help clean the sand? they cant give my discus hassle though.

Cheers

 

[danb]

Apparently childrens sand is good from argos/toys r us?

 

[zwright]

I have used sand with an internal filter and have been fine, but yes there is potential problems. First yes simple play sand is good and it is cheap, just make sure it is pure silica sand, Argos sand at toys r us is fine but you can probably find it cheaper at a home improvement store, I purchased a 50 lb bag of "Play Sand" (specifically said silica sand) for around $4.00, I think it is a little more expensive at toys are us. Now for the filter you want it to be approximately 1 inch above the top lauer of the sand. If it gets too close to the sand then the sand may get sucked up into the filter and cause problems. Another way to help avoid this is to cover the intake with ladies stockings (clean of course, rinse in water first, and get a natural colour, so no risk of dye getting into the tank), the problem with this is that some of the larger debris just sticks to the stocking and does not get sucked up into the filter so you will need to rinse off the stocking at least once a week.

 

[danb]

I have used sand with an internal filter and have been fine, but yes there is potential problems. First yes simple play sand is good and it is cheap, just make sure it is pure silica sand, Argos sand at toys r us is fine but you can probably find it cheaper at a home improvement store, I purchased a 50 lb bag of "Play Sand" (specifically said silica sand) for around $4.00, I think it is a little more expensive at toys are us. Now for the filter you want it to be approximately 1 inch above the top lauer of the sand. If it gets too close to the sand then the sand may get sucked up into the filter and cause problems. Another way to help avoid this is to cover the intake with ladies stockings (clean of course, rinse in water first, and get a natural colour, so no risk of dye getting into the tank), the problem with this is that some of the larger debris just sticks to the stocking and does not get sucked up into the filter so you will need to rinse off the stocking at least once a week.

Ah, this will be a problem i think, the internal filter is to the bottom of the tank and cant be moved. placing tights around the intake wouldnt be possible maybe ill just have to stick with gravel?

 

[zwright]

Could you possibily move the filter temporary to a bucket with sand in it and see if it poses a problem. You would know relatively quickly if it will be a problem. I have had sand with an internal filter that goes all the way to the bottom with no tights on it and have not had an issue, but in another tank with a similar filter it just didn't work. I don't want to tell you that it won't be a problem, but you MAY be ok to do it.

 

[danb]

Just reading about my filter http/www.juwel-aquarium.de/en/filter_full.htm judging by that the intake at is at the top so i shouldnt have a problem?

Is sand ok with other fish? Should i put anything underneath the sand to help the plants grow?

Cheers,
Danny

 

[raptorrex]

Just reading about my filter http/www.juwel-aqu...filter_full.htm judging by that the intake at is at the top so i shouldnt have a problem?

Is sand ok with other fish? Should i put anything underneath the sand to help the plants grow?

Cheers,
Danny

Fullers earth (pure cat litter) works

 

[danb]

Just reading about my filter http/www.juwel-aqu...filter_full.htm judging by that the intake at is at the top so i shouldnt have a problem?

Is sand ok with other fish? Should i put anything underneath the sand to help the plants grow?

Cheers,
Danny

Fullers earth (pure cat litter) works

Really? Isnt there something thats made for the purpose?

Would this sand be okay for the discus and other fish?
http/www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3650574/Trail/searchtext>PLAY+SAND.htm

2 bags of it i think for my 240 litre tank.

 

[raptorrex]

Just reading about my filter http/www.juwel-aqu...filter_full.htm judging by that the intake at is at the top so i shouldnt have a problem?

Is sand ok with other fish? Should i put anything underneath the sand to help the plants grow?

Cheers,
Danny

Fullers earth (pure cat litter) works

Really? Isnt there something thats made for the purpose?

there is. but why bother when cat lit works so well. do a forum search for "cat litter" or "fullers earth". post on it go back to 2002. if i remember rightly.

 

[danb]

edit post