Sand Or Gravel ?

[Craig89]

i have a new tank and wanted to use sand but when speaking to guy in my local shop he said that sand would clog my filter and that it would affect the PH balance of my tank and would be best sticking with gravel. Was he right as i no many of you use sand im just wondering which is the easier of the two to use.

 

[drobbyb]

THat would depend on what type of sand you choose. Not all sand will affect your pH. Sand will mess up your filter if the it is running before the sand has settled out of the water column, so he was at least half right, situationially.

I have had sand and ran poer filters without having sand end up in the impellers. Loads of people on here have sand too, without incident. So is it possible, yes, but not likely.

 

[Craig89]

Well ive seen that people are using childrens play sand would that be suitable ?

 

[Craig89]

Well ive seen that people are using childrens play sand would that be suitable ?

 

[K-Holed]

The main issue with problems with sand arises when you use it in conjuction with an undergravel filter.

 

[drobbyb]

From what I have read on here, that sand is fine.

Sand isn't compatible with a UGF.

 

[Craig89]

i wouldnt be using an under gravel filter but just wanted to make sure play sand was ok to use