gravel to sand

[andyM]

I'm planning on changing from gravel to sand and remembered there is some rule on how deep the sand can be. Something to do with, if it's more than a couple of inches deep a harmfull bateria can build up and cause problems. Is this right? I also think i read something in the last few days about a certain sand that doesn't have this restriction. Can't remember if it was on here or not.

 

[Kerryk]

Hi AndyM,

In a freshwater tank you'd want to keep the sand under 1.5 inches as bacteria can grow and cause "anerobic" conditions (basically evil bacteria that will foul the tank). As far as I know, the only thing there isn't a real restriction on gravel... though the more you put in the harder it is to clean

 

[babyfish]

The depth of the sand will also depend on whether you want to keep plants or not.
To keep plants you need a depth of 2 inches at least.

If you have plants with vigorous root systems (swords/echinodorus/crypts) these will pump oxygen into the sand through thier roots....keeping the sand sweet.

Corydoras are a great little fish for a sand substrate tank as they spend all day sifting through the sand searching for bits of food.....this helps to keep the sand turned over preventing dead areas appearing where you can't get to...in bunches of plants for instance

On tank maintainence day simply stir the sand with your fingers or a stick and then syphon off the muck

 

[freddyk]

Snails are a great way to turn over the sand too.

 

[Teelie]

Malayasian Trumpet Snails are to be precise.

 

[daddyo72]

Cory cats will really help in a sand tank.