New Tank Out For Delivery!

[Metta]

So my New Roma 90L should be here tomorrow, for a species only tank that species being Pea Puffers. I'm going to Aquascape it to the best of my ability (First Time).

Rocks, Wood, and plants/Moss.
I'm going for Black Sand.

I have some questions.

1. What sand should I use stuff pre cleaned preferably so I can add the sand dry.
2. If I use plants can I miss out the tank Cycle and add fish within 2-3 days. No issues as im in no rush
   
   I am from the UK for anyone that needs to know I was thinking of using soil but I've not experience with this
   

 

[connorlindeman]

So my New Roma 90L should be here tomorrow, for a species only tank that species being Pea Puffers. I'm going to Aquascape it to the best of my ability (First Time).

Rocks, Wood, and plants/Moss.
I'm going for Black Sand.

I have some questions.

1. What sand should I use stuff pre cleaned preferably so I can add the sand dry.
2. If I use plants can I miss out the tank Cycle and add fish within 2-3 days. No issues as im in no rush
   
   I am from the UK for anyone that needs to know I was thinking of using soil but I've not experience with this

definitely don't use soil. Not worth the work

 

[Metta]

definitely don't use soil. Not worth the work

Okay, so what Black pre cleaned sand can you advice?

 

[Naughts]

Ooo, very exciting!
As far as I know all sand has to be rinsed (put in a bucket, add some water, swish about, pour off water, repeat x4) to get rid of the dust/fine particles that would otherwise cloud the water or possibly clog up the filter.
If you use a lot of plants you can do a planted cycle. You will need to wait about 2 weeks to see plant growth before adding fish.
Post pics!

 

[Essjay]

If I use plants can I miss out the tank Cycle and add fish within 2-3 days.

Plant cycles have the potential to leave you doing a fish-in cycle.
Naughts has pointed out that you need a lot of plants - and fast growing plants. One or two java ferns in 90 litres is not enough. And they need to establish themselves before fish can be added. If you set up the tank then take a photo, it gives something to compare the tank to in 2 weeks and make it easier to see if the plants have grown.

 

[Metta]

Ooo, very exciting!
As far as I know all sand has to be rinsed (put in a bucket, add some water, swish about, pour off water, repeat x4) to get rid of the dust/fine particles that would otherwise cloud the water or possibly clog up the filter.
If you use a lot of plants you can do a planted cycle. You will need to wait about 2 weeks to see plant growth before adding fish.
Post pics!

Thanks!! Can you advice me any black sand to use?

I'll be putting some filter media into the filter from my other tank, would this also do the job?

 

[Naughts]

Thanks!! Can you advice me any black sand to use?

I'll be putting some filter media into the filter from my other tank, would this also do the job?

I've only used Argos play sand which is a light colour. I believe Unipac Limpopo do a black sand.
Yes, filter media may well do the job if your other tank is well established. You should keep an eye on both tanks (once fish are in) to make sure that the media is handling the ammonia. Daily testing for a couple of week. If you could spare some substrate (in a fine mesh bag?) for a while from the older tank this would also help introduce beneficial bacteria.

 

[Metta]

I've only used Argos play sand which is a light colour. I believe Unipac Limpopo do a black sand.
Yes, filter media may well do the job if your other tank is well established. You should keep an eye on both tanks (once fish are in) to make sure that the media is handling the ammonia. Daily testing for a couple of week. If you could spare some substrate (in a fine mesh bag?) for a while from the older tank this would also help introduce beneficial bacteria.

I'm in two minds on what to use, reason being is Light sand gets very dirty after a period of time and does not look as fresh as it should.

Black sand Hides that but I love the look of the white sand!

 

[Naughts]

I'm in two minds on what to use, reason being is Light sand gets very dirty after a period of time and does not look as fresh as it should.

Black sand Hides that but I love the look of the white sand!

Well if fish could talk they would say dark. It makes them feel safer/ hidden. Then they should display better colours and be out and about more.

 

[Colin_T]

All sand and gravel should be washed before use in an aquarium. It sits on the ground at factories before being bagged up and they don't care if it's clean or dirty. So wash it before using it.

If you add lots of live plants and give them a couple of weeks to settle in and start growing, you can add fish after that without doing a fishless cycle. But the plants need to be growing first otherwise they won't remove any ammonia.

If you don't do a fishless cycle, you should monitor ammonia and nitrite levels for the first month and do a big water change any day you have a reading above 0ppm.

 

[itiwhetu]

Thanks!! Can you advice me any black sand to use?

I'll be putting some filter media into the filter from my other tank, would this also do the job?

In my experience even if the substrate says it has been cleaned it will still need to be washed before putting it in your tank.

 

[Sgooosh]

i used black diamond blasting sand
it is super dusty though