Sand Vs Gravel

[Phyllis]

As a new member i'd like to say hello before asking for advice..

I have recently purchased a 180 ltr as an upgrade to my current 65 ltr tank and decided to go for silver sand for a change but i have read several articles saying that its not the best medium to use due to the build up of gasses...is this true ?? Also what if any are the benefits of using sand over gravel..

 

[MegaZerino]

As a new member i'd like to say hello before asking for advice..

I have recently purchased a 180 ltr as an upgrade to my current 65 ltr tank and decided to go for silver sand for a change but i have read several articles saying that its not the best medium to use due to the build up of gasses...is this true ?? Also what if any are the benefits of using sand over gravel..

ive had sand for about 4 or 5 months and havent had any sign of gas, as long as you keep the sand moving (i have a few snails to stir up the bed) then that shouldnt be a problem.I had gravel for 3 years and hated it, the fish poo sinks to the bottom and is really awkward to clean, with sand it just rests on the surface and gets sucked into one place (near the filter) so its even easier to clean. also sand tends to look a lot more natural and nicer than gravel and also, why have you gone for silver instead of the natural white ish colour??

 

[Phyllis]

To be honest the sand isn't actually silver in colour..it looks quite yellow (under light) now its in the tank, and it was more a case of what the shop had in stock.Is it a good idea introducing snails into a tank ?? I thought it was possible to get over run by them ? I've also just noticed like a scum floating on the top of the water..Only set tank up 2 days ago so is this normal ??

 

[MegaZerino]

To be honest the sand isn't actually silver in colour..it looks quite yellow (under light) now its in the tank, and it was more a case of what the shop had in stock.Is it a good idea introducing snails into a tank ?? I thought it was possible to get over run by them ? I've also just noticed like a scum floating on the top of the water..Only set tank up 2 days ago so is this normal ??

1. yes most snails will multiply like crazy, but i have assassin snails and because they eat other snails theyre either eating their own young or they dont breed much, so i would recommend getting them.
2. by scum do you mean a sort of silvery film over the top of the water???

 

[Phyllis]

Aha cool suggestion re snails...thanks alot and yes its a silvery film

 

[ShinySideUp]

What a shame. When I changed to sand I particularly wanted yellow sand but couldn't find any so my sand is mostly white. C'est la vie.

In general though, having used gravel for many years (all the time in fact) I recently changed to sand in my new tank and it's been a revelation. All the bottom feeders (my fish of choice) have been so much more active, the Cory's have been most affected by the change as they are visible and active all the time now, sifting through the sand. I see my clown loaches more than I've ever seen them before doing their 'thing' (lying upside down, perching on their fins and generally sifting together). One thing that hasn't changed is that my khuli loaches are as enigmatic as ever -- sometimes there are two, then one, then four, then none at all for days on end, even under dim blue lighting late at night.

Yes, sand is the answer I shan't go back to gravel.

 

[Man of fish]

I've got gRavel in my 29 and 10 but sand in my chi. Not sure which is better but I definitely like how the sand looks. I've been thinking about changing my tank to sand but maybe not til summer if I do.

 

[Dieses Madchen]

I have sand in all tanks and love it. My cories love it and roll and dig, my cichlid rescape my tank. I will never go back to gravel.

I have 2 inca snails and 2 mystery snails. I have not had any breeding.

 

[Fishy friend2]

IMHO sand is way better, and easier to clean. I love the way it looks and most fish love it too! My Pygmy cories love the sand and I would never use gravel ever with any bottom feeders or fish that are mid to bottom

 

[smudge_]

if you wash it well can you just use any sand? or do you need special aquarium sand

 

[Dieses Madchen]

i use play sand

 

[Phyllis]

Thanks for all the replies..so is depth of sand important ...it varies in areas of tank from 1" to 3" ? Also how many snails would I need ? I was planning on quite a few plants but would this stop snails from doing there job ?? Didn't realise how much there was to consider

 

[StandbySetting]

Ignore the crap about gasses, you don't need any snails or anything to turn it over, it's one big myth.

 

[trippytrance]

Sand is way better than gravel, I think it looks so much better too.
It's easier to clean and your fish will love it....

 

[MegaZerino]

Aha cool suggestion re snails...thanks alot and yes its a silvery film

the film is a build up of protein, you just need more surface agitation. if you move the outlet or powerhead closer to the surface it should break up and disappear, but to help it along its way try and scoop it out with a cup as well