New Tank Sand Or Gravel For Starting?

[al84]

hi i am getting a tank and am all new to this getting advice from friends who have tanks and on here.well my first question is sand or gravel as im starter what would be better? and also shall i get live plants or fake will i have probs with live plants? i wud like to get a few cats in me tank few red tail sharks and just go from there really.this is the tank what i will be getting http/www.aquariumsdelivered.co.uk/catalog/aqua-one-aquience-rectangular-1000-aquarium-beech-p-3323.html.advice is welcome cheers alan

 

[toshapetriji]

Well sand is pretty popular these days and does look good and if in the UK you can use Argos play sand as long as it is washed well.

Plants are not too difficult really so long as you buy plants that will suit your lighting levels, though you may need to experiment a little to see what takes well to your tank.

Considering the low price mybe give it a try?

 

[al84]

friend was saying to me not long ago she use to have sand but changed to gravel cos sand was a pain getting in filter.does it matter do u think.so wish cud get a tnc they so cool.am looking forward to setting up and of course want it to look good and right.

 

[toshapetriji]

I have never had a problem with sand getting into the filter and am not really sure why your friend would have. Maybe I´m missing something.

There are plenty of photographs around the forum which could give you some ideas.

 

[al84]

hmmmm okay like i say im new so i wudnt have a clue will let her know that though.i like the idea of some light looking sand looks good plus heard it is good for cats because gravel has edges ect.cheers for the info mate

 

[elisew]

If you`re planning on having cats (corys?) then sand would be much better for them, less harsh on their barbels. Same with plecs, loaches etc.

A lot of people use the Argos play sand but bear in mind it`s a light colour and is likely to show up more poop and muck, hence will need cleaning more often. Unipac do darker sand which you may find is more suited and doesn`t show every bit of poo
Google for Unipac aquarium sand and you should be able to see the colours that range from light to dark

Does you friend have her filter inlet close to the bottom of the tank? Maybe that`s why she`s having trouble with it being sucked up the filter?

 

[al84]

i not to sure i will text her and find out and by way have checkd ya tanks out very nice new one looks awsome did u make the cuboard bit yaself ? and what are ya gonna put in there? what fish wud u put in with cats for the middle?

 

[waterdrop]

What size tank, Al?

 

[al84]

its gonna be a 240 liter,u talking about the one i getting?

 

[waterdrop]

A 240L/63G, that's a nice size! Yes, since you said you were new to all this I assumed you only have one tank. Is that true?

~~waterdrop~~

 

[al84]

yea will be my first i think i will go with sand in the end.be while obv befor get any fish as have to get tank then go through the cycle

 

[waterdrop]

I think sand is a fine choice since you are hoping to get some bottom dwellers. Maintaining a tank with sand has some different skills to be learned but the members here can help you with them.

In my opinion, its also fine that it will be a while before it all comes together (getting the tank, fitting it with good equipment and then deciding on all the right fish and plants.) One of the great things about the hobby is how it slows life down a bit and lets you relax some in your own home. -All- the aspects of the hobby can contribute to this. You can take your time about things and it will often just help you to understand better and to get things just a tiny bit "more right" when you do them. And thinking about each of those things can carry its own interest and fun.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[al84]

what fish do u have?

 

[elisew]

i not to sure i will text her and find out and by way have checkd ya tanks out very nice new one looks awsome did u make the cuboard bit yaself ? and what are ya gonna put in there? what fish wud u put in with cats for the middle?

I have corys, albino and leopard ones and I also have Rummy nose tetras and danios that swim middle and top of the tank. Corys are lovely and peaceful, they`re great


Did I make the cupboard part of the tank?? No, we bought the whole unit from Maidenhead aquatics. The cupboards are used for the FX5 filter, food, meds and all the other gubbings that fishkeeping requires really.

Waterdrop is right when she says it`s relaxing, I`m sure you`ll agree once you have everything up and running

 

[al84]

yea i bet would be cool right now actually lol just have to get stuff ready in me room i just had a chameleon past away he was 3years 3 months.but am keeping all the cage and stuff as later will get another.but have always thought bout getting a fish tank.and will look into the sand u said thanks for the info