Sand Substrate For Betta Possible?

[*Fishkies*]

The other day I was reading some more information on betta's and I came across something with someone saying that you could use some kind of sand for a betta instead of the typical gravel for fish. Is that possible? I mean what kind of sand should be used? I'm just curious about this. I've never really heard much about using sand other then for the marine fish.

 

[Kyrielle]

Lots of people use sand in freshwater tanks. =) Great for plants and bottom feeding fish. A betta would hardly mind I'm sure. No doubt there is some aquarium sand at some pet stores (I know Petsmart carries it). I think what you need to do before using it is soak it in some treated water and stir it around so all the particles that would make the tank really cloudy are sorted out. Not sure on this process exactly, but I know sand can make things cloudy if something isn't done to it before hand.

 

[*Fishkies*]

Wow I would love to use sand in my fish tank, that would be neat!! I'll have to look up the processes on that.

 

[Imber]

My betta sorority tank has sand and they seem to be enjoying it(though not as much as the cories). I just bought some all purpose sand from the hardware store(the kind that they use to mix cement but just sand nothing else added). I had to rinse it a lot to get out the fine particles, but for the price you can't beat it! Lots of people use playsand too which is very pretty and white with finer particles than my sand.

 

[liz2]

I think sand looks really pretty but dont some fish need gravel (not bettas) to spit the gravel about? Something to do with muscles in their mouths? Or did I dream that bit.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Quite often those sorts of fish (eartheaters and the like) can actually choke on gravel, which is why sand is still best for all fish

 

[Glod]

I changed the substrate in my betta's 10 gallon to sand a month or so ago. You can see the difference here http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=167784&hl=

 

[bUcky]

bettas like sand!

 

[15761718]

hey i was wondering is it possible to put an undergravel filter under sand and would the filter still function properly?

also can the beneficial bacteria still live under the sand or is that gravel only?

thanks

 

[15761718]

?

 

[Glod]

hey i was wondering is it possible to put an undergravel filter under sand and would the filter still function properly?

also can the beneficial bacteria still live under the sand or is that gravel only?

thanks

No, sand is too fine and will clog up the filter. Bacteria can live in the sand, they live on all surfaces in the tank.