To Sand Or Not To Sand? -Substrate.

[Fishflyer]

I would like invite discussion on the pro versus cons about sand as a substrate. Maybe this has been brought up but not to my knowledge. All opinions, posts and questions are welcome and valued.

I will start out with some things I have experienced and learned and some common questions. While I have been in the fish hobby a long time, I am fairly new to using sand as a substrate. I will mix up the Pros and Cons to try to be fair to those who use and like sand and those who don't. Here>We>Go...

 

[Fishflyer]

I would like invite discussion on the pro versus cons about sand as a substrate. Maybe this has been brought up but not to my knowledge. All opinions, posts and questions are welcome and valued.

I will start out with some things I have experienced and learned and some common questions. While I have been in the fish hobby a long time, I am fairly new to using sand as a substrate. I will mix up the Pros and Cons to try to be fair to those who use and like sand and those who don't. Here>We>Go...

Does sand hold gas pockets not limited to but including lost bits of food fish and foilage waste that is trapped and decomposing?

I have read this is true and that you should stir up the sand periodically to release harmful to your fish gas pockets. I have certainly noticed ascending bubbles when I stir up the sand. Gently stirring the sand more frequently releases smaller less harmful pockets as opposed larger built up pockets. The bubbles rise to the surface and are released into the atmosphere.

If the compressed sand is not allowing oxygen and bacteria in to decompose the bio-waste how can gas build up?

I am going to answer a question with a a question. There can anaerobic (low or no, anti-oxygen) zones like hollows in your tank rockeries that the oxygenated currents do not reach. But these harbor low oxygen benefical bacteria that are part of the Ammonia/Nitrate/Nitrite cycle. But there is not enough oxygen in between the sand granules and under the sand?

 

[Fishflyer]

Good thing about sand. Less harmful to your bottom foragers as to swallowing gravel and cutting up their mouths, depending on the type of sand.

It is gentler to your scaleless denizens of the deep.

So what is the best sand to use?

Fish store sand, well cleaned beach sand, play sand, construction sand? One, some, or all of these?

 

[Fishflyer]

Quite possibly a con about about sand is stirred up sand passing through fish gills can't be good for them, as similarly dirt going through their gills isn't great for them either.

Is quality fish store sand polished round and less harmful?

 

[Fishflyer]

Quite possibly a con about about sand is stirred up sand passing through fish gills can't be good for them, as similarly dirt going through their gills isn't great for them either.

Is quality fish store sand polished round and less harmful?

How can you efficiently clean sand?

I use a fish net and a small vaccum I fashioned from a pill bottle and small diameter vinyl hosing from the hardware store. I drill a hole a little smaller than the outer diameter of the hose in the bottom of the pill bottle.
This works great for tight corners in graveled tanks and works so so for sand bottomed tanks. It picks up some surface drek but still sucks up sand when you go Deep.
I am going to look up on the internet if there is a good tool or method.

 

[Fishflyer]

Can you mix sand and gravel?

I have and it looks good together, either separate in the same tank or mixed together. If you want it separate for trails and disparate looks and terrains load the gravel in a raised edge tray with rock borders. You can use a small vaccum to clean sand out of it.

If you want to use sand and gravel mixed together, experiment first with colors and the amount of each you think you would like the mixture to look like. Or experiment before you commit.

I find that using a small amount gravel acts as a decent looking accent to the sand as matching or corresponding colors or contrasting colors. Don't worry about some of the gravel being buried. I have found it turns up pretty nicely by turn over of fish and cleaning. And enough sits on the surface to look nice. You can always sprinkle a little more on.

Well that is about it for now. More thoughts soon. Your ideas and input are welcome.

 

[Fishflyer]

Can you mix sand and gravel?

I have and it looks good together, either separate in the same tank or mixed together. If you want it separate for trails and disparate looks and terrains load the gravel in a raised edge tray with rock borders. You can use a small vaccum to clean sand out of it.

If you want to use sand and gravel mixed together, experiment first with colors and the amount of each you think you would like the mixture to look like. Or experiment before you commit.

I find that using a small amount gravel acts as a decent looking accent to the sand as matching or corresponding colors or contrasting colors. Don't worry about some of the gravel being buried. I have found it turns up pretty nicely by turn over of fish and cleaning. And enough sits on the surface to look nice. You can always sprinkle a little more on.

Well that is about it for now. More thoughts soon. Your ideas and input are welcome.

Hi J. Always enjoy your posts and communications. Thanks for reading the thread, I hope you find it a little interesting.

 

[Fishflyer]

It wasn't actually my idea to mix it up--sand and gravel. I had put in a tray of gravel from another tank to the sand tank to jump start tank cycling of another tank. I had moved the fish from there out of there to put in an Electric Yellow Lab Cichlid I had to separate from another one. I am a professional landscape designer and off duty like to aquascape my tanks. Well my fish redesigned it and did a good job. And keeps redesigning. I decided not to interfere anymore. It's his home and he kept on trumping my desicions.

 

[LBDave]

I have a SA tank and I used a Carib Seas gravel which is really closer to sand. I added 3" river stones on top at a few areas. My advice is to read up on the chemical nature of the substrate and consider if you want a planted tank. I love the sand I have. Works well with earth eaters, but not sure if it is adding to diatom blooms. My tank is 3 months old and I have to scrub off glass weekly. I have read that silica can influence this. (Pool sand bad).
Initially I was going to put in an Onyx sand but that raises PH.
In summary read up. Planted tank? I like the look of sand but opted for a slightly coarser substrate.
I think all substrates should be periodically deep cleaned. The eartheaters take care of the top.

 

[Chefken]

I use a mixture of Black Aquarium and and pool filter sand.....I really like it. Many bottom dwellers require it.....or mud. I prefer sand. It is clean looking, easy to maintain and cost effective. My eel would be pissed without sand to bury in...What would my Geos do? .I have never had issues with toxic gasses or impellers in 30 years of fishkeeping.