Gravel Vs Sand

[Ben M]

hi, i want to change my 4ft tank from quite large pea gravel to toys r us play sand. but i was wondering the pros and cons of each one. and also how is best to add the sand to the tank when it is full of fish?
thanks

 

[Truck]

toysrus sand is the best I have used, its a nicer colour compared to the argos, and it doesn't need washing as it contains no silt!

you're better off taking the fish out and then replacing it.

also, do not let anyone lead you to believe that sand causes poisonous anaerobic pockets that will kill your fish, because they will not kill your fish! they're right in saying they're poisonous, but as soon as they come into contact with water they are rendered harmless.

 

[Ben M]

hi, does sand dull the colours of the fish? and is it possible to add the sand with the fish in?
cheers

 

[Ben M]

i've just seen some unipac limpopo black sand, could i mix this with toys r us sand to make it a bit darker, or would it separate out? and would it need washing?
thanks

 

[Truck]

hi, does sand dull the colours of the fish? and is it possible to add the sand with the fish in?
cheers

the lighter the substrate, the lighter the fish will appear as they will tone down their colours, I use toysrus and the difference is barely noticeable.

I would take the fish out, then there is no chance of any sand damaging their gills.

 

[Ben M]

hi, what do you think of having a section of gravel and a section of sand?

 

[Truck]

go for it, I've seen many tanks with mixed substrates, they can look very nice.

 

[Ben M]

i was thinking of a section around the slate caves using small, say 3-4mm dark gravel, and the rest toys r us sand. exactly what colour is the sand?

 

[Truck]

a subtle pink colour.

 

[Ben M]

hmm, pink?

 

[Truck]

not bright pink, its like your average beach sand with a hint of pink.

 

[Ben M]

do you know where i can get some darker sand?

 

[Truck]

No, you can get the black moon sand or the zambezi black sand but it isn't sand, its more fine gravel.

 

[wendywc]

I got pool filter sand which is more white with variagate grains in it. The bonus is that it's heavy enough to gravel vac though. Awesome stuff.

 

[Ben M]

do you think that fine gravel is better for plants?