sand substrate

[-cAtFiSh-]

i have been thinking of changing the substrate in my tank to sand. is there anything important that i would need to know in maintaining it? syphoning etc.
thanks

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

anyone

 

[CFC]

There is nothing special about sand and IMO it is easier to maintain than gravel, the only problem i have found with it is that in my experience plants dont seem to like it much.
When vacuming sand instead of plunging a gravel vac deep into the substrate you just hover the end of the hose about 1" above the sand and let the suction pick up any loose debrie.

 

[kev]

I agree with CFC Syphoning Tactics - Don't worry about sucking a bit of sand - You'll never notice it

However - IME plants have grown alot better in my sand than they did in my gravel. (which was slightly smaller than a pea sized) Previously my plants never took rook and would slowly die

recently I accidently uprooted on and was happy to see a little network of roots

I suppose it might depend on what plants you have - Mine are cheapy ones from my LFS (not a very big selection)

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

thanks for the help! i am planning on totally renovating my tank and completely changing it

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

something else i forgot to ask. is there any special aquarium sand that i would have to use, or could i just use any sand?

 

[clutterydrawer]

heya

the-wolf has just made a great thread on different types of sand, have a look at it.
i just changed my substrate and i used aquarium sand from the lfs cos the play sand i've seen looked really, really pale.

you're gonna need somewhere the put your fish while you change, like a small tank, or a large bucket that you can fit a heater and airstone/filter onto.

having spent an exhausting day yesterday changing it, my tips are: get everything ready before you start or it jsut gets chaotic, and have something on hand to put your fish in to move them from tank to tank.

 

[-cAtFiSh-]

heya

the-wolf has just made a great thread on different types of sand, have a look at it.
i just changed my substrate and i used aquarium sand from the lfs cos the play sand i've seen looked really, really pale.

you're gonna need somewhere the put your fish while you change, like a small tank, or a large bucket that you can fit a heater and airstone/filter onto.

having spent an exhausting day yesterday changing it, my tips are: get everything ready before you start or it jsut gets chaotic, and have something on hand to put your fish in to move them from tank to tank.

thanks for the help! i have got a spare 15 gallon tank which i will use to put the fish in and i will definately have a plan before i make the change.

 

[clutterydrawer]

good luck

i used a new food storage box to put my fish in to carry them to the new tank. i put up a few pics in the Members Aquarium Pictures section too, if you're interested.

 

[kev]

My fish remained in the tank while I changed mine

Did half one weekend half the next - Didn't seem to bother the fish - But it was pretty murky taking out the gravel!!

 

[clutterydrawer]

yeah, when i pulled up my gravel the most amazing amount of filthy mud stuff came up


I just remembered, here's some more useful links about changin substrate:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=58874
http/groups.msn.com/AquaPlantCentral/goi...aveltosand.msnw