Using Sand And Gravel In Different Parts Of The Tank?

[adfsuperduke]

Whilst i'm waiting for my fluval 305 pump to be delivered and then the fishless cycling to begin etc, i'm thinking of how i'm going to want my tank to look once I set it up and I'm thinking of part sand, part gravel. Is this a good idea?

Do you need to clean new Silica (Playground) Sand before putting it in your tank?

Any advice gratefully recieved being a complete novice to tropical fish keeping!

 

[Aqua Tom]

The substate you use will have a direct effect on what fish you have in your tank so please tell us what you plan on keeping in there so we can advise.

Playsand needs a very thourogh clean before use as it has a lot of dust in it so will make your tank cloudy otherwise.

 

[Rynofasho]

Yep, good to clean it just for good measure

 

[Gilli]

Having a mix of both will make your vaccuming when cleaning your tank difficult

 

[adfsuperduke]

The substate you use will have a direct effect on what fish you have in your tank so please tell us what you plan on keeping in there so we can advise.

Playsand needs a very thourogh clean before use as it has a lot of dust in it so will make your tank cloudy otherwise.

I have being having a look and according to www.freshwater-tropical-fish-care.com these are all peaceful and within compatable ranges of ph, hardness and temperature zones but i'm definately open to ideas and to be honest theres no tropical fish i have seen i didn't like so if theres an ideal mix then i'll go with the advice ;

1 Para Pleco L075
2 Clown Loaches
6 Black Neon or Cardinal Tetras
2 Bolivian Ram Cichid
2 German Blue Rams
4 Harlequin Rasbora

My tank is 1180mm x 380mm x 400mm (39 Gallons/179 litres) with a Fluval 305 filter