Pea Gravel Or Sand?

[erk628]

Right now I have brown play sand in my tank, however I had a lava rock in my tank and it decided to start releasing small particles of the rock. After about two weeks its still the same, so I have decided to take the sand out and try again. Now I have a 55 gallon long and the sand I have right now is very fine it took 110 pounds to get 2 inchs along the bottom. My buddy has play sand in his tank but its white and not as fine, he has a 30 gallon tank and it took him 30 pounds to get two inchs along the bottom. I have another buddy who just got a 75 gallon long and used the same white sand and he only used 75 pounds to get 2 inchs. So in saying that I think having to use 110 pounds for a 55 gallon tank is way to much so if I do get sand again I'm going to get the white like they have because what I have is just to fine. Now I think sand looks good but its a pain to clean I was thinking about using 2mm pea gravel but wanted to know what you guys thought. Here are the fish that I have that would have an affect with my choice. 1 Tiretrack eel, 1 banjo catfish, and 5 corys. So with these fish what do you think sand or pea gravel? Thanks for everyones advise who respond.

 

[mildew]

firstly I'm no expert! But I personally would go for and use silica sand (bought From LFS).
I had a Fire eel which loved to bury himself in the sand and as there skin can be quite delicate it seemed better than any form of gravel. Also it's said to be better for fish with barbels like corys (mine love sifting through it). You do need disturb it once in a while to prevent the build up of "dead" patches but I only do this in areas where I won't affect/damage plant roots. I also find it easier to clean with a gravel vac as most of the detrius sits on the surface, and Plants tend to root better too!
Just my expierence!

Regards

Rick

 

[erk628]

firstly I'm no expert! But I personally would go for and use silica sand (bought From LFS).
I had a Fire eel which loved to bury himself in the sand and as there skin can be quite delicate it seemed better than any form of gravel. Also it's said to be better for fish with barbels like corys (mine love sifting through it). You do need disturb it once in a while to prevent the build up of "dead" patches but I only do this in areas where I won't affect/damage plant roots. I also find it easier to clean with a gravel vac as most of the detrius sits on the surface, and Plants tend to root better too!
Just my expierence!

Regards

Rick

Whats the difference between playsand and silicia sand. Also how much does a bag of this run?

 

[mildew]

Not sure if there is a difference, it's just what my lfs sold. I think 25kg cost me about £15 and it easily filled a 4ft tank to 2" with some left over. Try having a look in Plants forum, I'm sure I've seen something on substrates in there

 

[Shaun]

Have a read through This which will give you lots of information on using sand as substrate.

Shaun

 

[SuperColey1]

Have a read through This which will give you lots of information on using sand as substrate.

Shaun

Silica Sand is not so fine and is a quarz based sand (Aquarium or pool sand) is expensive.

play/silver/dry sand is a fine natural sand, very cheap (£2.49 in UK for 1.5inch layer in a 30G (15KG - 32ish lb))
I use this on top of a mixed layer of leterite and gravel so that the plants can root.

(You don't need to disturb the sand when you have rooting plants because they will 'feed' off substances that cause the anaerobic pockets as long as their roots are the area, thus eliminating this problem)

And white play sand looks great. look at the many tanks pictured in the forum using it.

 

[erk628]

Have a read through This which will give you lots of information on using sand as substrate.

Shaun

Yes I have read this a few times, I just read it again and I think due to some of the fish I have I will stick to sand and get the white sand my buddies used. I just wish it was easier to clean. Maybe this white sand will be better then what I have. Also should look good with my black back ground. Thanks guys.


PS: Mildew I'm from the states so I'm not familiar with your weights and currency, if your able could you translate this to pounds and US dollars thanks.

 

[erk628]

Have a read through This which will give you lots of information on using sand as substrate.

Shaun

Silica Sand is not so fine and is a quarz based sand (Aquarium or pool sand) is expensive.

play/silver/dry sand is a fine natural sand, very cheap (£2.49 in UK for 1.5inch layer in a 30G (15KG - 32ish lb))
I use this on top of a mixed layer of leterite and gravel so that the plants can root.

(You don't need to disturb the sand when you have rooting plants because they will 'feed' off substances that cause the anaerobic pockets as long as their roots are the area, thus eliminating this problem)

And white play sand looks great. look at the many tanks pictured in the forum using it.

Hmmm, so what do you guys think play sand or silica sand also if able could someone convert this to pounds and US currentcy thanks.

 

[Shaun]

No probs, white sand should look nice with the black background like you said

Good luck