How Much Sand? And Adding Plants

[Meggie :)]

I am changing out my gravel for sand today in my ten gallon. Dimensions are 10.5 inches x 18 inches. I want about 2.5 inches of sand...is that too much? Also, how do I figure out how much sand I should buy?

One more thing, I want to plant the tank as well...it is fully cycled, and has been for more than three years. Should I buy the plants when i buy the sand, switch out the gravel for the sand and put the plants in right after?

Thanks in advance!
Megan

 

[StandbySetting]

2.5 inches is fine, I'm just going to switch to metric for ease here:

Providing you use Silica sand, (26.25*45*6.25)/1000 = 7.45 Litres, sand has a density of 1.6Kg per Litre, so you'll need 12Kg.

 

[Meggie :)]

Since I'm doing a planted tank, i was looking online at petsmart (because it's a short trip from my house) and I was wondering if this sand would be good? http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11147295

 

[StandbySetting]

Low tech, high tech? For a high tech set up then yes you could use that, but on a low tech set up I wouldn't bother, play sand would be fine.

 

[Meggie :)]

I don't want to use play sand haha It's low tech...my first planted tank...wanting to plant things like elodea, water wisteria, amazon sword, anubias, java moss, java fern, etc...is this sand good, though? or what about something like this? this is what they have at the store I might go to today: http/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753227 I know it says for saltwater, but I just want a good quality black sand

 

[StandbySetting]

It's ok, but there are better substrates out there, it only contains a few micro nutrients.

 

[Meggie :)]

What would you suggest? Is the first one I listed a good quality one? Even if it is a low tech tank that I'm putting it into?

 

[StandbySetting]

The Caribsea one is pretty good, but the first one you linked has micro nutrients added, so if you can get that one cheaper then go for it, but on a low tech tank a nutrient enriched substrate really isn't required.

 

[Meggie :)]

Is the first one better than the caribsea one? I don't mind how expensive...if it will be great for my tank i'll get it Would it help the plants grow any better as a bonus, or no?

 

[StandbySetting]

Any effect on plant growth will be negligible, plants will just as readily take nutrients from the water column as they will the substrate, and the water column extends into the substrate anyway so any difference it makes is again negligible.

But if money is no issue, you may as well go for the first one.

 

[Meggie :)]

Thanks for all your help

 

[mbsqw1d]

just go for any sand that looks the best to you. Nutrition wouldnt count too much if you dont have the required lighting (i.e high-tech) If the plants dont get the light, then they wont use the nutrients.

I have about 2.5inches of argos play sand in mine. I consider mine a low-tech.

Have about 40 watts of light. Use a DIY CO2 method (two 1.5l bottles sugar/water/yeast mix)
And feed with Seachem Flourish. Very low tech but the plants are looking great

 

[Meggie :)]

So I can't get plants today...we are going on a road trip to look at a convertible car for my brother...but I CAN get the sand today...would it be okay to wash the sand when we get back tonight and put that in my tank and let it settle and then go buy plants and put the plants and driftwood in tomorrow? Or should I just wait to wash and change the gravel for sand tomorrow and then put the plants in right after?