Sand Or Gravel

[Cultasso]

Which would be better for a new aquarium, I think sand looks better

If Gravel what type would you recommend, I was looking at some Romna Red Coyline Gravel, anyone know if this is anygood
If not could anyone recommend any

Thanks

 

[ox5477]

The best method to answer this question is to figure out what type of fish you are getting.... Some bottom feeders like cories, love to wallow around in sand. Puffers also like to burrow in sand. Numerous other fish will root around in the sand looking for food.

Gravel is good for some fish but for most sand is the best. If you find that your fish will be ok with gravel, try to get the finest gravel possible as this will be the easiest to clean because coarser gravel will allow more debris (ie. excess food, feces) to fall between them and making it harder for you to clean.

Sand is much easier to clean and works for almost all fish so I would say sand is probably your best bet

 

[Cultasso]

cool i presume its just normal play sand left in water for a week or so to get all cloudiness out

 

[Xebadir]

Yes use play sand: No dont leave it in water for a week.

Place it in some sort of permiable material, or a bucket if thats all you have: Rinse water through until clear, replacing the water until it is clear and all the muck is removed.

 

[ox5477]

Play sand will be fine with most fish. For more info on sand please read this by nmonks.....Sand As Substrate: A Quick Primer, Some tips and observations