Sand + Gravel - Will This Work?

[Ryan_W]

So, 110 litre tank...

Base layer of gravel.

Top layer of silica sand.

Ends of tank built up gravel (same as base layer), sanctioned off with slate.

Middle of tank left as sand.


I've read that having gravel under sand helps with releasing air through the sand and stopping harmful build-ups?

I'm after a really good looking tank and I've got the above idea in my head. I willing to try out a few ideas if you have any, but I'm after a multistory theme. Bogwood, slate caves, lots of live plants for my future fish to hide in and make a home.

I'm looking down at a picture I've just doodled on some paper. I all makes sense in my head, just wondering if I'll be able to make this doodle a reality?!

Always appreciative of your view and opinions,

Ryan

 

[kiriyama]

Sounds ok.....
It will mix in some places though but sounds like a good set up

 

[Ryan_W]

Excellent news... I'm not too bothered about the sand mixing with the gravel, as long as it looks good at the end of it all.

I'm adding sand since I want to have 3-6 Cory's in my tank and I know they prefer sand to gravel. Also having quite a decent selection of live plants, they have the best of both worlds with the sand and gravel...

I'm also looking into grasses for the sand and ferns for the bogwood.

Really getting the taste for this!

Ryan

 

[kiriyama]

Let us know how it goes with the aquascape, looking forward to pics.

 

[Ryan_W]

Will do!

Hoping to make this into a work of art, we'll see.... Fingers crossed!!!

 

[ZoddyZod]

wont the sand eventually migrate into and mix with the gravel?

 

[Ryan_W]

I expect it will, but as long as the top layer is sand, I'm not too fussed. It's going to be about the ascetics, if there's a clear surface divide, I'll be happy...

 

[ZoddyZod]

I expect it will, but as long as the top layer is sand, I'm not too fussed. It's going to be about the ascetics, if there's a clear surface divide, I'll be happy...

Ahh I see, so your planning probably 1/3 gravel, 2/3 sand or something close to that?

 

[Ryan_W]

On the nose! About 1/2" gravel and 1.5" sand...

 

[Mo1959]

Ryan. I'm pretty sure the gravel and sand will end up all mixed together which might not be a nice look. There have been others on here who have wanted both and what they have done is buy a strip of the plastic lawn edging from a hardware store and cut it to size and silicone it to the bottom of the tank. You can then have distinct gravel and sand areas without it all eventually running together. Can give a nice look according to pictures I have seen. If you want to keep corys this will also ensure they have an area of just sand to play in. If you are artistic, unlike me you can even make it look like a river of gravel running through your sand.

 

[Ryan_W]

Thanks for your input....

I'll post pics once the tanks arrived and it's all underway. I'll be putting a fair amount of effort into this tank, it'll be a thing of beauty I hope!

 

[Ryan_W]

Here's the link with a pic to how it turned out... I'm happy with it

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/338874-no-mistakes-this-time/

 

[ZoddyZod]

very nice.....good job.