Does Sand/gravel Need To Be Changed?

[Aussie_Dog]

Right now, I'm debating whether to use gravel or sand in my first tank (haven't bought one yet). I want sand, but in reading on how to clean it first (in a bucket, with a running hose), I wonder how good an idea that'd be right now, what with winter and all (can sand clog the pipes if you use the bathtub instead? lol). So I'm wondering if it'd be a waste of money to use gravel now, and then sometime in summer, I switch to sand. Do you need to change the stuff every now and then anyways? What's the typical "lifespan" of gravel or sand?

Also, I'm reading a lot on "subsitrate" (sp?) sand, and how it's for the plants in your aquarium. Now, I'm not planning on live plants (yet), just fake ones, but can you still use this particular sand anyways, or is there another kind? I keep seeing "subsitrate" rather than plain old sand, so it's making me wonder. And if I do use sand, with my good ol' fake plants, do I still need to stir up the sand every now and then to avoid those air pocket things I'm reading about?

 

[Azaezl]

Well I'd say go for sand but I just prefer sand What fish are you going to be stocking your tank with? If your thinking of getting a bottom dweller such as a cory then sand would be the best thing for them.

Sand is also easier to keep clean, with gravel the poop, old food etc works it's way down the gravel and can build up, wheras with sand it stays on the surface so you can get rid of most if not all of it

You don't have to use the hose method to clean it, I just filled a 10L bucket halfway with sand, filled the rest up with water and swished it around with my hand, tipped the water out(careful not to tip the sand out ) and repeated until the water was clear, think it took me 3 sometimes 4 goes at this to get it clear. I'm not sure about the lifespan of gravel or sand, don't think it has one.

Live plants can be planted in either gravel or sand, maybe you've read about specialist sands that are rich in nutrients, or maybe aquasoil or something. Yes you can use sand with live or fake plants, it makes no difference, but as you said you will need to stir it up a little to release any trapped gas.

Some people buy sand that's been specially produced for aquariums but IMO it's not worth it(unless you want black sand or something other than white). You can use ordinary playsand that's designed for children, as long as it says it's non toxic it should be fine for your tank.

HTH

 

[Aussie_Dog]

Thanks!

I'm definitely set on getting a Betta, and am still researching other types if I want to create a community (if, of course, the Betta allows this... lol). Sand does sound more practical and easier to handle than gravel, but I admit, I'm wanting sand just because of the look . Gravel is good, but sand is closer to their natural habitat, right?

I've read discussions (*cough*debates*cough*) on play sand and I'm still on the fence on that. Still gotta do some more reading and thinking, and it could go either way (since I have no real ideas of what I want, regarding color or texture). But thanks, you answered a lot of stuff I couldn't find or get answered elsewhere

 

[Scotty001]

Ive tried both sand and gravel and have to admit i prefer the sand, it is allot easier to keep clean and can be fun watching the fish forage on the bottom for some food, its also fun watching the fish re landscape the sand as well.

I have a pair of kribs (Kribensis) who make quite the Gardner, there are lots of hidy places in my tank but they have decided to make a few of their own by digging up the sand near the bog wood and relocating it.

There is also the cost too. I use Argos play sand (perfectly safe for fish and looks good. My local LFS charges £1.20 per kilo or £18 for 20kg for sand but Argos play sand is £2.49 for 15Kg which is enough to fill my 165L tank. Gravel is a bit more expensive than this.

Scott