Sand In Aquariums

[blcknwitecuban]

do i have 2 clean the sand 1st? and if the deadly gases dont get into the water then how does co2 for plants work? that has 2 get in the water someway right?

 

[fishlette]

do i have 2 clean the sand 1st? and if the deadly gases dont get into the water then how does co2 for plants work? that has 2 get in the water someway right?

yes you have to clean your sand first.

the gases released from these air pockets go to the top and burst at the surface. your co2 is absorbed by the plants in the water

I'm setting up a new tank,and I've put abt 5cm of sand in it, is this ok,or too much or too little. Also,are the plants ok in sand, I've potted them all, as it was proving quite hard to plant them in the sand, has anyone any tips? it does look a bit artificial. I'm looking forward to moving my cories into there though

5cm should be fine. the plants will prob grow quite well in sand. mine do anyways. it should be quite easy to get them to stay in the sand. make a hole in the sand with your fingers and place the plant in. cover up the bottom with sand (unless you have anubias). sometimes you have to heap it around the bottom a little but once the roots take hold they will be fine.

 

[ryguy]

WOULD I BE ABLE TO PUT SAND IN WITH MY MALAWI CICHLIDS OR SHOULD I LEAVE IT CRUSHED CORAL

 

[fishlette]

WOULD I BE ABLE TO PUT SAND IN WITH MY MALAWI CICHLIDS OR SHOULD I LEAVE IT CRUSHED CORAL

yes. sand would be good

 

[Teelie]

Either way would be fine. I prefer sand but crushed coral is also an excellent pH buffer which is something a lot of cichlid keepers love to have.

 

[dthoffsett]

WOULD I BE ABLE TO PUT SAND IN WITH MY MALAWI CICHLIDS OR SHOULD I LEAVE IT CRUSHED CORAL

You can also use aragonite sand(not live sand), which is marketed for saltwater tanks. It will buffer your water like crushed coral.

 

[blcknwitecuban]

i was thinking about getting sand from the lake. would that be ok? its lake michigan

 

[blcknwitecuban]

i got some play sand from Home Depot. i cleaned it and put it in the tank but visibility is pretty low.. will it clear up? and while i wait should i turn on the filter? and is it safe 2 put fish in?

 

[Teelie]

It will clear up. Depending on your filter and how low to the substrate it is, you might be able to turn it on. Definitely put something in the filter basket to catch all the loose bits of dust and sand though.

 

[NutMutt]

You forgot to mention that it looks good.

LMAO