Gravel Or Sand

Maxamus

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hi im new and im getting a 90liter tank (24 gallons) i was wondering wether there is a difference between sand and gravel is one better than the other and how often should i clean it? how thick should it be? and how do i clean it?

Maxamus
 
Sand is naturally good for bottom-dwelling fish ( corydoras, loaches, etc... ) If you do add sand, then I would suggest a thin layer... ( around 1 - 3cm )

If you want to go for the cheap option ( which is to buy play sand, silver sand, etc ) then you usually have to wash it a lot! i just added play sand to some of my tanks and I simply put a pile of sand in a large bowl, added water and then just literally stirred the sand about. I then tipped the ( which will be horrible ) water down the sink and then added some more water and do the same process until the water in the bowl is more or less clear...

Cheers...
 
Gravel is the more practical option as it can be cleaned using a syphon, a undergravel filter can be used and it allows gases to escape more easily. However a thin layer of silica sand can look stunning and will be appreciated by bottom dwelling species. You cant really clean sand, although if you have a thin layer and occasionally rake it up and then syphon the detritus out then it should remain clean.

Cheers,

Mike
 

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