Sand Substrate

[Tednol]

haha,
i might just do that,
I cant wait untill i'm older and have my own place.
I can get a bigger tank with sand and make it look cool, like yours!

 

[Chasing Puck]

If organics become buried in sand, it reduces the amount of oxygen available, and a different kind of bacteria--anaerobic vrs aerobic--grow instead. These bacteria can produce toxins as they break down the organics, which wouldn't be good if the area was then disturbed, releasing these toxins into the water.

however, this will depend on what kind of fish you have, etc. I have 2 tanks that have nothing but sand. Both are planted, and have had or currently have digging fish. In the two years these tanks have been running, I've never had any problems. Some plants don't like sand, as it can pack more tightly than in larger grain sized substrates, but most plants will be just fine. You will probably need to fetilize, or stick with plants that don't get a majority of the nutrients through the roots--unlike gravel, mulm does not build up in sand substrates.

Another consideration--all sand is not created equal. Some types, notably aragonite, are calcium carbonate based. This will raise the pH of the tank as it breaks down, which may not be desirable. Most play sand is silica, though, and will not alter water chemistry.

 

[shmax101]

Yea I had several "horseface" loaches in there, and a couple kuhli loaches as well, for digging and snail duty. Neither of their jobs were fulfilled in my opinion, lazy bums...

 

[Aquascaper]

I guess the picture in my signature explains that i can keep plants with sand without problems

 

[mrswoman2000]

I have 2 tanks, 1 with gravel and the other with sand. Every one who has seen them says the tank with the sand looks better as it looks more natural. I prefer the sand myself and as I have corys it is a must for them. I use aquatic sand from lfs and have had no bother. It can be bought ready washed (i wash it anyway) or not.

Lynn

 

[Matty]

just wondering, If you have fine sand, how would stuff get to the bottom?

 

[Tednol]

I love your tank aquascaper in your signature, if i was to have a tank that size then i would have it similar to yours!