sand, gravel or pebbles?

[rkc772]

would like to have some suggestion from fellow MFK members... i would like to know which one is the right one to use.... sand, gravel or pebbles for datnoids, cichlids, bichirs, & arowana? I will not be using any Under Gravel Filter, will be having a wet/dry filter. any personal suggestion would be appreciated!

 

[gman]

I personally like a combination of the 3. First lay down a layer of sand. Then put some gravel where you want some rock formations and then build rock formations. I dont have any pictures, but thats what I am going to do with my 90 when I get it up and running again.

 

[TankBuster]

Well cichlids like to move rocks and pebbles so the pebble/gravel mixture would be good I think. i personally have all black sand but that is so my puffer can burrow and my stc was sick of spitting out gravel when he dove for a feeder.

 

[USMCtanker]

i like sand with a little gravel. it looks sweet. when usuing rocks the waste and stuff is gonna get uder there so when u clean u need to make sure u get under the rock. u go sand u dont have that prob, but then all that stuff just sits on top and then u will have to do more water changes to keep it looking nice.. but i found a way around that i put a power head by the bottom so it kicked up all the stuff so it gets sucked out. but hey they all look good, but thats my opinion, good luck

 

[fish head )'>]

Hey , he stole my thread, I was going to ask that question.
so, you think sand/ stone is good? if you have cihclids and with vacuuming it all gets mixed, right? Anybody got pics? thanks

 

[red oscar]

had sand gravel mix one time it was a pain i like gravel alone but that is just me

 

[nick h]

ughh. sand is impossible. not only does it compact and create pockets of potentially fatal gas if not stirred, it is a complete pain to clean/wash when you get it. if you do go with sand, get just enough for about an inch on the bottom and stir it alot when doing h20 changes(be prepared for alot of cloudiness when you do this though). otherwise sand totally rocks, looks natural, and is hella cheap. 30 bucks for a 50# bag at home depot.

 

[tenorguy33]

I recently started a second aquarium with sand and I have had problems with my filters getting very noisy until it is just inbearable or they stop working. I have had this happen to a Marineland Penguin 150, an aquaclear, and a whisper power filter. Is there anytype of filter I can buy or brand that will not have this problem? This is my first experience with using the sand so I am not sure how to go about fixing this.....

 

[KJP]

ughh. sand is impossible. not only does it compact and create pockets of potentially fatal gas if not stirred, it is a complete pain to clean/wash when you get it. if you do go with sand, get just enough for about an inch on the bottom and stir it alot when doing h20 changes(be prepared for alot of cloudiness when you do this though). otherwise sand totally rocks, looks natural, and is hella cheap. 30 bucks for a 50# bag at home depot.

 

[joejoe19]

ughh. sand is impossible. not only does it compact and create pockets of potentially fatal gas if not stirred, it is a complete pain to clean/wash when you get it. if you do go with sand, get just enough for about an inch on the bottom and stir it alot when doing h20 changes(be prepared for alot of cloudiness when you do this though). otherwise sand totally rocks, looks natural, and is hella cheap. 30 bucks for a 50# bag at home depot.

You can find sand even cheaper at a pool supply store about 6-7 bucks for 50lb's