Is gravel safe for Midas?

[RD.]

With those filters, and 1-2mm sand, I would think that you would be fine without pre-filters. But don't quote me on that. lol

Having said that, I would not use white sand, with a midas, and those filters. Unless you like looking at crap.

 

[JAX3000]

Sand it is then...

It's not the white type, it's a nice natural colour which should do ok at camouflaging the poo!

I always preferred sand, except the concern about filters, but then I had my concerns about gravel too, so thanks again for helping me decide. I'm pleased with this conclusion.

 

[Niki_up]

Sand it is then...

It's not the white type, it's a nice natural colour which should do ok at camouflaging the poo!

I always preferred sand, except the concern about filters, but then I had my concerns about gravel too, so thanks again for helping me decide. I'm pleased with this conclusion.

I have been following this thread but haven’t commented, I think you will be happy you chose sand.

Update with pics!!!

 

[JAX3000]

Thanks Babyblue. I will, right now I'm choosing rocks... I have 5 to chose from and think I'll jyst use them all...!

I'll try attach the photo if what I have so far.

 

[Niki_up]

Thanks Babyblue. I will, right now I'm choosing rocks... I have 5 to chose from and think I'll jyst use them all...!

I'll try attach the photo if what I have so far.

View attachment 1302804

Def use them all!

One thing to note (I am assuming you have cichlids) if you have sand digging fish, place your rock in the tank before the sand. That way when your fish dig around and move the sand the rocks won’t fall and possibly break the glass or injure a fish.

 

[JAX3000]

Thanks!

No worries, I'm putting eggcrate at the bottom of the tank, then rocks and finally sand...

 

[RD.]

If you are leaving them as they sit, I wouldn't bother with the eggcrate. If your fish becomes a digger, which many midas do, you will be seeing eggcrate on a constant basis. My advice with sand and rocks is, place the rocks in, and then add the sand. Eggcrate does not distribute weight as many believe, it only acts as a shock absorber if/when rocks fall.

Having said that, the way you have those rocks placed, with the filters that you will be using, you may want to add a powerhead or two to keep the detritus from building up around the base of the rocks. Those Eheim filters won't produce enough flow to keep the waste from building up.

 

[JAX3000]

If you are leaving them as they sit, I wouldn't bother with the eggcrate. If your fish becomes a digger, which many midas do, you will be seeing eggcrate on a constant basis. My advice with sand and rocks is, place the rocks in, and then add the sand. Eggcrate does not distribute weight as many believe, it only acts as a shock absorber if/when rocks fall.

Having said that, the way you have those rocks placed, with the filters that you will be using, you may want to add a powerhead or two to keep the detritus from building up around the base of the rocks. Those Eheim filters won't produce enough flow to keep the waste from building up.

We'll, I know most would say it's unnecessary, but I just can't stand the thought of those big heavy rocks on bare glass... even during setting them up, surly, one false love and I'm screwed!

I think I can live with visible eggcrate... it's black and the sand is quite dark in colour.

Re the powerhead suggestion, I do have a nice little tunze turbelle knocking about I could add, to keep the crap moving...?

Thanks for reminding me, I was going to ask you that, after your previous comment about white sand Vs black poo as it suggested I would have insufficient flow...

I take it you feel the Midas won't mind the extra flow?

 

[RD.]

I run two Aquaclear 110's in a 90 gallon, with my midas, flow is a non issue. But honestly, in the grand scheme of things those rocks are small, and fairly flat looking, I'm not sure what you are worried about? I once saw a fellow from R&D, Aqueon I think, fill a 75 gallon to the brim, with boulders. An adult male midas could just as easily slam one of those rocks into a side panel, and break that, as he could slam one into the bottom pane, when laying in sand. But it's of course totally up to you. Without extra water movement you will have a lot of trapped waste over time. You'll find the dead spots once you get set up.

 

[JAX3000]

I just look at glass and always think it's about to spontaneously explode...! I'll sleep better this way.

Well, here it is so far...

Hopefully sand in and filters on tomorrow.. .

(Note how I cunningly angled the photo so as to minimise the impact of the eggcrate...! )