Sand & Plants

[rsands]

Hi,

Just a quick question...when you have sand do you need live plants? I've read the huge article on sand and heard people say bout the gases?

I would rather use fake plants...but would that cause problems?


Thanks

 

[Danno]

I used sand with fakes once. I didn't have any problems. Just stir it around when you do water changes. Keep a dowel handy at the side of the tank so you can "poke" and stir the sand whenever you have free time after your matenance.

 

[rsands]

I used sand with fakes once. I didn't have any problems. Just stir it around when you do water changes. Keep a dowel handy at the side of the tank so you can "poke" and stir the sand whenever you have free time after your matenance.

Is that so it releases any trapped pockets? or why do we need to stir?

 

[Danno]

The sand can become compact and trap those "bubbles". If you get "bubbles" in your sand they can screw up your aquarium to put it short. Sand needs to be sifted so to speak, it needs airation.

 

[PRW1988]

Stir the sand up as Danno said, air gets trapped in the sand so it's easier to have the sand stirred to release these air bubbles which may randomly release aswell...