Overcrowded to the max

[drobbins27]

Right now, I have:

5 Silver Dollars
4 TB's
3 GB's
4 CB's
1 8'' Pleco
1 5'' Bala

All in my 29g. I have a Penguin 170 (50g rec.) running and am doing weekyl cleaning/water changes. Why so many fish? Well, we bought the 2 SD's thinking they could go in my 90g by Saturday when the sand settled. It is now Monday night and the water still has a lot of clearing up to do!

So heres a message to all newbs, if your going to use sand, dont purchase any fish until you tank is completely ready! Never guess when it comes to fish!

P.S- The SD's are doing great in the 29g and I dont have any problems....yet

 

[ooSho]

what kind of sand is it? I used playsand in my 14 gallon and it cleared up within an hour....

 

[drobbins27]

Its playsand. I wasnt very diligent in cleaning it or adding it though

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

drobs ik jsut want to commend you immensly on you cleaning up your act...keep up the good work.

 

[Fish Buddy]

Is there a difference between the different types of sand. Is there types of sand that require more time to settle than others? And are there some sands that are better for fish than others? -just curious

 

[drobbins27]

Is there a difference between the different types of sand. Is there types of sand that require more time to settle than others? And are there some sands that are better for fish than others? -just curious

Yes there are differences, mainly in colour. Some sands can add certain things to your water, like I once saw a website selling sand which added phosphates to your water. Also, Ive seen some which is used for Cichlid tanks (probably mainly Mbauna) which raises pH level. I think they add nutrients to some of the more speicialized aquarium sand, which improve water quality.]

I tihnk sand which was created for aquarium use settles much quicker. Pool filter sand also settles quickly, as does play sand with proper technique (which I didnt excercise when adding mine )

The third question has pretty much the same answer as the first. I will add some links to this thread when I find some for more help

 

[heresmike]

Play sand is also MUCH cheaper than aquarium sand at the lfs... I got a 50 pound bag at Menards for $1.44. It also gives a more natural look.

I washed my play sand thoroughly (maybe 10 rinses per bucket 'til the water was fairly clear), added it to my empty tank, then put a plate in the tank to dump the water on... the sand did not get disturbed and I had very little cloudiness/murkiness at all!

 

[Doggfather]

Play sand is also MUCH cheaper than aquarium sand at the lfs... I got a 50 pound bag at Menards for $1.44. It also gives a more natural look.

thats what i like ot hear i was going to purchase some aquarium sand, but if play sand is better (and cheaper) i'll go with it

 

[heresmike]

Play sand is also MUCH cheaper than aquarium sand at the lfs... I got a 50 pound bag at Menards for $1.44. It also gives a more natural look.

thats what i like ot hear i was going to purchase some aquarium sand, but if play sand is better (and cheaper) i'll go with it

Just curious mate... do you have Menard's in the land down under?