Switching to sand?

[FroFro]

It rather depends upon the plants. In most of my tanks I start with around 2 inches of rinsed sand level, then when I aquascape the sand will get pushed more to the back and sides. A depth of 1 inch is fine along the front. If you intend larger sword plants, which have very extensive root systems, you might want a bit more, at least where they will be.

The tank size isn't mentioned in this thread, so difficult to say how many bags. Play Sand comes in 25kg (= 50 lbs) bags for a few dollars. One of these will do a tank up to approximately 30 by 12 inches surface area. It never hurts to have "extra" though, as you may find a need for a bit more here or there.

Byron.

Oh its a 36 gallon tank, sorry I didn't mention it!

 

[Byron]

Oh its a 36 gallon tank, sorry I didn't mention it!

The length and width of the surface area are the dimensions to know, as you want up to 2 inches depth over that area, regardless of the height. I would get two bags, it is as I said always good to have extra...and you may get another tank someday.

 

[hobby5]

There is no need to put too much sand in there. If the tank is planted go for 2" or a little less. If you don't have plants less than 1" will be enough.