Sand And Gravel As Substrate?

[craynerd]

Hi guys,

I`ve read the sticky at the top of the page but still unsure if i can have sand and course gravel together? My tank is 24x15x12 rekord 70 jewel. I want to basically have the bottom sloping down from one corner to the bottom of the other corner, with gravel at the lowest point? Is this possible and what is the difference between using sand and gravel as substrate?

Will sand not block the filter?


I`ve actually got ready to set up, some natural gravel, but wondering now whether to get some sand and do the above setup?

Also how deep should it be?

and whats the difference in black and light coloured sand, purely just the colour?

Sorry lots of questions, but want to get it right before i put the water in!!

Chris

 

[TammyLiz]

I have not used sand before but did a lot of research before choosing substrate for my tank so I can probably help you. There are those who might be more help but since you're looking to set it up today we won't want to delay you any more! So here's what I have gathered.
I have spoken to a lot of people who say that sand will sink below the gravel if you do much messing around in the tank but if you don't touch it will rest on top for a while. Most say you should not mix, but go with one or the other.
Sloping is often something that is hard to maintain, and landslides are common. You will find that you will have to continually reposition the substrate to maintain your slope.
Depending on what type of dark sand you are looking at getting, it may buffer the pH up. If you get just colored 'regular' type sand, it won't make a difference, but if you get onyx sand or some others (can't think of them right now) it will buffer.
If you have an undergravel filter, you can't use sand. Otherwise, it will not block your filter. To clean it, hover a gravel vac over it and do tiny circles to pull the junk off the top of the sand into the tube. Some say sand is easier to clean than gravel.
If I would you I would pick either sand or gravel, there isn't much point in mixing the two.
If you have sand make sure not to make it too deep or you'll get those dead spots. I think they say 2" but don't quote me on that one.
Gravel I'd say 3in. is about right. But you can a little more, or down to 1/4in. if you like.

 

[Phoenixfish]

ever thought of a base of grave with like a few cm of sand ontopone its mostly settled
i was thinking of having mostly sand in my new fluval when i get it in a few weeks

just a thought...

 

[big mick]

I mixed gravel and sand about 50/50 for my lobster tank and wouldnt really recommend it, not because it causes any problems as such it just looks crap and I'll be changing it when its upgraded to just sand.

 

[Phoenixfish]

hmm what about like 95% sand wit gravel as a feacture sort of thingy like to one edge so that it looks well streammy or around aplant or cave?
at the moment ive got a 4.5 with gravel and is ok but when i get my fluval hopefully soon im gonna boost the number of catfish in there to like 6 if possible and have some other things including some more AT barbs
but ive need to work out the fish allowence etc anywayz

 

[craynerd]

I`m confused now! I don`t know which i prefer! I was gonna go soley for gravel but now i`m thinking about sand again! But does white sand look tacy? hummmmmmm!! HELP

Is it literally a matter of taste?

My tanks 18g and thinking of having tetras and kribs as main stock.

 

[Phoenixfish]

i personally like both but i think sand would look nicer for my plans and would ber more user friendly for the large amount of corys and catfish id like to have