Sand VS. Gravel

[plecoperson]

I like the look of sand but wasnt sur how to maintain it so when changing the substrate in my tank, I went for silica sand. cheaper than gravel, and I knew what Im doing with gravel. so it looks like sand but has all the benefits of gravel. plus the plants root well, with help from weights tied around the stem!

 

[KentBlokey]

How often do you look underneath your sand though?

LOL. But, Now what was on the bottom has mixed with the 'normal' coloured stuff, and looks gross!

 

[Jezah]

That icky looking stuff is actually great for your plants. Its probably fish waste which provides great fertilizer for your plants. Gravel, beleive me, will end up being alot worse.

 

[keane]

Hi,

anyone ever had any problems/envisage any problems with mixing sands?

i am gonna be setting up a 55 US gallon cichlid tank very soon. I will have to use some marine sand to lower my PH but also want to use play sand to soften the texture for the fish that like to burrow/dig (and also 'cos it saves a bit of cash!)

was thinking 50/50 ratio.

any views?

steve B)

 

[littlefishie]

Marine sand won't lower your pH. It'll make it higher.

 

[keane]

LOL!

thanks littlefishie...that's what i meant.....really!! )

need to raise my PH up to about 8 - 8.5

obviously i was just talking about lowering the acidity!!!!!

thanks again.

steve B)

 

[Jezah]

Mixing sand isnt a issue. I am sure your cichlids will appreciate it!

 

[LoachLover]

I personally love sand.

 

[Jezah]

Hehe, ya. Sand is great for loaches cause it is easier for them to sift through. Plus some loaches like to bury themselves in it.

 

[Teelie]

I've got almost all bottom dwelling fish so sand has really been a lifesaver (sometimes literally) for my fish. I have gotten rid of my river rocks because I'm paranoid my Clowns will bury themselves in them and get trapped. Definitely go with sand if you have bottom dwellers or substrate sifters of any kind.