Changing to sand/gravel

[vanvran]

Hi, I just changed half my 20 gallon tank from all gravel to smmoth gravel and a layer of sand for my cories. I read that there can be a problem re: gas with sand. Not sure what that means, but it sounds dreadful. Any info would be vey appreciated!

 

[brown metal-head]

You are talking about anaerobic bacteria which produce a by-produdct that is hazardous to your fish. From what I have read you really don't have to worry unless you decide to go all the to the bottom of your gravel. The top layer is the only layer most people clean because thats where the poops are. So sure someone im sure someone that has sand can tell you more. BTW it may also help if you posted how much of each layer. Hope this helps

 

[Ethos]

This intrests me because for my new 55G, on the bottem of the tank I am adding a thin layer of fine gravel, then I'm having about an inch of sand or so.
(The gravel is supposed to help the plants I am ging to be planting...)

 

[Grim Reaper]

now this is intresting,

Ethos whats up signature???
i dont get it

 

[vanvran]

This intrests me because for my new 55G, on the bottem of the tank I am adding a thin layer of fine gravel, then I'm having about an inch of sand or so.
(The gravel is supposed to help the plants I am ging to be planting...)

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Ethos: My idea was to create a more natural "beach" effect, which it now looks like. My cories are happily resting on the sand, but I have small rounded, smooth gravel underneath.

 

[itZme]

Lots of valuable info in the FAQ section.

Here is the FAQ about sand

The anaerobic bacteria will only build up if the sand is too deep to allow circulation (1.5-2" is about max depth)

If you put sand over your gravel it will eventually sift down through and close up all the spaces around the gravel that allow water to flow through the gravel and then you will be at risk for pockets of bacteria. There was one person here who did half the tank in sand and the other half in gravel but there was a small divider placed between them so they wouldn't mix. As long as you stir the sand a bit at water change times you won't develope any problems. (Stir gently so you don't cloud the water with sand particles)

Good luck!

-- itZme

 

[vanvran]

Lots of valuable info in the FAQ section.

Here is the FAQ about sand

The anaerobic bacteria will only build up if the sand is too deep to allow circulation (1.5-2" is about max depth)

If you put sand over your gravel it will eventually sift down through and close up all the spaces around the gravel that allow water to flow through the gravel and then you will be at risk for pockets of bacteria. There was one person here who did half the tank in sand and the other half in gravel but there was a small divider placed between them so they wouldn't mix. As long as you stir the sand a bit at water change times you won't develope any problems. (Stir gently so you don't cloud the water with sand particles)

Good luck!


Thanks so much! I read the FAQ as well. My sand depth will be under 1.5".

-- itZme

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