Sand Or Gravel?

[timg]

My new tank, (Tank 9), should be arriving at the end of next week and I'm wondering about what I'm going to put in it. I am keen on the idea of a planted tank, but till now, haven't had much success with real plants and am wondering if this has to do with the substrate that I use.

The 100 gallon tank will be home for clown loaches, plecs, silver sharks and some other larger fish, such as angels that are going to outgrow my existing tanks.

All my tanks have gravel substrate now, and nothing to hold any nutrients for plants. This leads me to wonder if sand might not be a better option, although I am concerned that the inhabitants of the tank might start digging and cloud the water all the time.

I have read several threads referring to this subject, and there are views for both types of substrate, with lots of ideas as to how and what to use, but as yet, can't decide what to go for.

I would appreciate your input on this before I start setting it up. As yet, I haven't sorted out a filter system for the tank, but a sump is now out of the question, since I have no room for one anywhere, so internal filters will be the way forward. There's no hurry for this, other than it's going to look awfully empty for a while, and patience isn't one of my strong points. It's also going to be the center of attention, since this 8' tank is the one we will be looking at while sat on our sofa!

 

[BNyleen581]

Timg,

You are opening up a can of worms! I would highly suggest if you are going to start using live plants is to read as much as you can in these forums so you don't end up spending hundreds $$$ learning like I did. Try these forums to start.

Lighting: http/www.fishforums.net/Basic-Guide-to-L...ing-t96754.html
Sand Substrate: http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=71597
Filter: http/www.aquatichouse.com/FILTRATION%20M...files/Eheim.asp

Hands down the most popular substrate for plants is Laterite, but definitely not your only option. As for a filter, I would go for an external canister filter, especially considering how big your tank is; any Eheim, they last forever and trust me your money on them is very well spent. I have my sights on a Pro II 2128 or a Pro III 2128.

For plants there is so much you have to take into consideration, substrate, lighting, Co2, fertilizer, water hardness.... The list goes on, but there is hope and I can tell you once you get it down every bit is worth the effort. You can always start with slow growing low light plants, those ones are hard to kill, unless your me of course.

For substrate I am a sand man all the way. It is much better looking, the fish like it more, and its easier to clean. Also, you want the fish to stir your sand or you end up with compacting and toxic gas problems down the road. Hope this helps. Keep searching the forums, especially the pinned ones.

Good Luck! Hope I could help a little.