Sand Help Please!

[ridewake210]

so i want to convert my 75g african tank to an all sand substrate instead of the blue gravel i have right now.

i baught 80lbs of black sand tonight.

will this be enough for my 75g tank?

thanks!


-Sean

 

[xJake]

Yes.

 

[ridewake210]

thanks jake!!

 

[Captain Retardo]

Ya, Isn't the rule 1 lb of substrate per gallon?

 

[dgwebster]

I use the rule "keep adding till i get 1"-1.5" across the entire bottom, go out and buy more if needed"

 

[ridewake210]

this is my first sand tank. so, sorry if my question botherd you.


but thank you anyways.

 

[Inchworm]

Ya, Isn't the rule 1 lb of substrate per gallon?

Hi Captain Retardo

That's a pretty good rule of thumb for gravel, but when I changed to sand I followed it and after I added it only about an inch deep, I had a lot left over. The inch deep guideline for sand gives you a nice looking bottom but reduces the risk of having anaerobic bacteria pockets form. Since gravel is course and water can more easily circulate through it, it's usually OK to have it deeper.

 

[jayjay]

Anaerobic bacteria pockets, can be good, they use up nitrate, they are what DSB's in marine do. Even if you worried about them killing your fish, as soon as they come into conntact with the oxygen in the water they aren't a problem as they are no longer posionous.

 

[ridewake210]

good info