I've had many tanks in the past and I'm just now setting them back up.....I had them in storage for the last couple years, I've been moving around and working on the road. Anyways I've always just ran with the regular gravel in all of my tanks I'm setting up a chiclid tank and saw a sand that says it actually particularly for chiclid tanks. Does anyone know if running with the sand will promote my tank much more than your normal gravel. I was planning on running an underground filter(which I know everyone says you dont need, but I still like running with one)in which would make it almost impossible to run with the sand. I'm also running a magnum 350 in which the UG filter is not my only filter on the tank. I still like using the UG filters with my power heads and it seems like it makes clean up a breeze when it's time to get out the gravel vac. Any suggestions ????
Gravel or sand ???
- Thread starter Ibewlocal71worker
- Start date
i personally like sand over gravel because the uneaten food and waste stays on top of the sand so its easy to spot clean, and gravel all of the uneaten food get in between the cracks and its harder to clean, if you choose sand look for pool filter sand don't use play sand its to fine IMO and ruins the impellers of HOBs they start making a grinding noise.
Sand all the way. I have used both and prefer the natural look of sand. IMO it is easier to maintain which cuts down on the time for tank maintenance.
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I've used both and I prefer sand. Most of the fish seem too as well, especially diggers like cichlids.
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I def agree with preferring the sand over gravel as in the natural look and just plain out like it better. I just hate to get rid of the UG filter. I guess it's give and take.
Sand all the way. It looks better (IMO), the fish like it better, and it's easier on overall tank maintenance.
What kind of cichlids will you be getting? I prefer sand with cichlids and it seems they do as well. Have fun with your setup 
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Get out of the 80's, ditch the UGF and gravel!!
In all seriousness though, sand substrate is easier to clean as the waste doesn't settle down into it as it does with gravel. If you set the tank up right with a good canister or similar and minimise/eliminate dead spots you'll find it a lot easier than siphoning gravel.
In all seriousness though, sand substrate is easier to clean as the waste doesn't settle down into it as it does with gravel. If you set the tank up right with a good canister or similar and minimise/eliminate dead spots you'll find it a lot easier than siphoning gravel.
Sand in all my tanks and will never turn back. You can ditch the ugf and use the powerhead or air pump to power a sponge filter for a cheap replacement option. IBEW Local 134 Chicago.
Today's ceramic type bio medias and Penguin Bio-Wheels are much more efficient than those undergravel relics. Plus, burrowing/sifting fish like corys and loaches will love you if you use nice, soft sand instead of harsh, ugly gravel imho
