Sand Tank

[Angry_Platy]

I have been reading a few planted tank sites....as well as reading about sand substrates...and me being lazy came across the perfect idea.....and it wasn't even by me!!!

Placing sand over your existing gravel base....apparently it is good for planted tanks and the gravel provides a stable surface for the sand to sit on...as well as not causing a mini-cycle due to the removal of gravel...

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated....

Possible project

 

[RYO]

i would have thought it would depend on the fish you have .If you have diggers the two medias will get well mixed up (mind it might look good too)and wont the sand get worked under the gravel, might be a $%$£$£$ to clean then

 

[clutterydrawer]

the sand is smaller than the gravel so will end up underneath it

can be demonstrated with a box of cornflakes if you dont believe me

 

[RYO]

mmmmmmm sandy cornflakes

 

[FishDan]

the sand is smaller than the gravel so will end up underneath it

can be demonstrated with a box of cornflakes if you dont believe me

Or a bag of potato chips, tastes better IMO . But you are right, the sand will eventually end up under the gravel.

as well as not causing a mini-cycle due to the removal of gravel...

Removing your gravel and replacing with sand most likely will not cause a mini cycle in a properly stocked tank. I have done the switch in both my tanks, and have not experienced a mini-cycle.

\Dan

 

[lizard]

If you wanted the gravel covered by sand, you'd just have to add enough sand so that it could sink down between the gravel, with enough left over to cover it. Maybe you'd have to add it in stages...like let the first bit settle down amongst the gravel, then add another little bit and do the same, and continue to do that until the gravel is covered by the sand.

If there are no live plants or substrate-sifting critters, you do have to stir up the sand on occasion to release any toxic gases that may be accumulating.

Good luck

Pamela
aka Married Lizard

 

[FishDan]

If you wanted the gravel covered by sand, you'd just have to add enough sand so that it could sink down between the gravel, with enough left over to cover it.

This would probably work. In the short term. Eventually the gravel will still end up on top of the sand. In addition to the gravel being larger it is also lighter than the sand, despite the relative size. And fish that stir up the sand will speed this process along, but generally things like water changes, water current (caused by filters and/or powerheads) and tank cleaning (I suppose the same as water changes) will effect the sand and gravel levels.

Other than using some kind of very fine cloth keeping sand on top of gravel will be next to impossible. And using the cloth would not be beneficial for your plants (and would defeat the purpose as I understand it) and will really, more likely than not, just delay the inevitable.

\Dan