Starting Anew 100gall Tank..sand Or Gravel?

[Wanda hornsey]

I am starting as a newbie with a 100gl tank and need to start this week putting it together I am not sure wether sand or gravel is the way to go? I have a large amount of gravel that came with the tank but this needs a very a good clean before use, and From what i have read a lot of people think sand is the way to go..please guys give me some pointers...is sand easy to maintain/clean how do you do it? its not that I am lazy but is a huge tank to clean and as a newbie I want to try and get it right....also has anyone ever mixed a tank and had part sand and part gravel?? I think this could look really nice and actually quite natural but will it work?? Arggg decisions decisions

 

[Ginge]

Myself and many would say sand a clean is needed when first putting it in and the a vacume every water change. It really is that easy.

 

[Wanda hornsey]

so go on then how do you clean it?? am a newbie )

any view on the mix Idea....not all mixed up but done as large sort of patches of gravel and patches of sand mimicking a riverbed type look

 

[ccg]

For a tank that size sand would be cheaper as long as you do not purchase it from a lfs. As for cleaning it, just hold the siphon just above the sand and it will suck up the fish waste before the sand.

As for cleaning the sand before it goes into the tank, you should put it in buckets and let water run in it until it becomes clear. Some sand needs a lot more cleaning then others. Play sand (in my experience) took a lot of cleaning where as silica sand took next to nothing.

Also, it is recommended that you stir you sand once in a while (innless your fish do it for you).

It really comes down to what you prefer? Do you like the looks of the gravel you have or sand? A lot of fish prefer sand, what fish do you plan on keeping?

 

[daddyfish]

so go on then how do you clean it?? am a newbie )

any view on the mix Idea....not all mixed up but done as large sort of patches of gravel and patches of sand mimicking a riverbed type look

I myself I prefer Gravel.

At least for me it's easier to clean, and Stays lookin Nicer Longer.

I tried Sand once and after awhile it got discolored and rather Ugly lookin.

But as said above it's all really Personal Taste, and the needs of the fish, the later being most important.

Only one thing, you were wanting not to mix the two, but keep them separate, How would you do that when cleaning the gravel, or stirring the sand?
Unless you are planing on using some type of Substrate Divider.

And if the fish you are going to keep Like to move the Substrate, this maybe a problem in itself.

But in any event, the Choice is Yours in the end.

And Thanks so much for Caring enough for the charges that you are about to get.
To ask, BEFORE doing.

It's allot easier on you, and a whole Lot Healthier for the Fish.

Welcome to the WONDERFUL World of Fish Keeping. And always remember.

"Fishkeeping" It's not just a Hobby. It's an Obsession....