Recommended seems to be 2". Is 3" too much sand for a 110? I'd like to bring it up level with the stand trimwork if possible. Just think it will look better
3" too much sand??
- Thread starter AR15
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Wow, your trim of your tank is 3''?
There is no problem with 3'' deep sand. But, I would also recommend some sand sifters for the tank. Just so that they can stir up the sand every now and then.
There is no problem with 3'' deep sand. But, I would also recommend some sand sifters for the tank. Just so that they can stir up the sand every now and then.
depends if you are setting up a planted tank. 3" is good for long rooted plants like swords. I have 1" of sand but only floating plants. if your going 3" just make sure you stir it around some every so often. I just use a stick every couple of weeks.
AR15;4273157; said:
AR15:
I asked this similar question to an Icthyologist friend of mine the other day and his response to me was, to use 1 lb. of sand for every one gallon of tank water volume, to achieve 1 inch of sand in the tank. He more less stated that the depth of sand is a personal preferance, but IMO, it also depends on if you plan to use live growing plants, artificial plants or just rocks and/or wood for your aquascape.
If you are going to use live growing plants in your tank he suggests 2 inches would be a minimum amount so plants could be burried deep enough, take root and to keep them from being up-rooted or dug up by digging types of fish. Artificial plants would follow suit with 2 inches of sand to keep them from being dug up. If you only plan on an aquascape of just rocks and/or drift wood he suggested 1 inch of substrate should be enough.
Another consideration to think about, is the weight. It takes 1 lb. of sand for every one gallon of tank water volume to achieve 1 inch of sand in your tank. I have a 110 gallon tank, also. For me to place 220 lbs. of sand into my tank for 2 inches of substrate is a lot of weight by itself, IMO.
Additionally, most retail stores sell sand for a cost @ $1.00/lb. unless you find it on sale somewhere. I am looking at $220.00 on the average, to get sand for my tank. I'm still looking for a less expensive solution. So if you also have an extra $110.00 for every 1 inch of sand to spend on your tank ... and you're considering 3 inches? Let's be sensible here. There has to be a better and more cost efficient way here. Maybe a pool sand from a pool supply retailer ... you might try there. I'm not real sure about the cost of 1 lb. of pool sand but if it's purchased in bulk, say 220 lbs. at once, I might be able to get it at $0.75/lb. vs. $1.00/lb and so, I'm still searching. But it's worth a try.
Another idea you might try is to use a layer of styrofoam board beneath your 2 inches of substrate to raise the level of your sand without adding a substancial amount of additional weight to your tank.
I hope this helps in answering your question about the sand for your tank. Good luck.
I used pool filter sand in my 180 and it works great but the best part is the price, about $6.00 to $8.00 for 50#s (1 bag).