Anyone with knowledge about using sand substrate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
A

amindbesideitself

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jun 15, 2005
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Nothern VA
I'm thinking about putting sand in the bottom of my Oscar tank. What is the best way to NOT get the sand in the filter? I have 2 HOB filters. Do I just make my tubes higher? or should i put something over the filter entrances...whats the best thing to use if i do? Also, what should i use to clean off excess food and waste materials off the sand? Thanks for any input!

:help2:
 
Size tank?

just don't use extensions on your HOB's and use a python when you change your water to clean the surface of the sand.

been keeping sand in my tanks for many many years and never had problems.

however i have a buddy that likes to use extensions on his HOB's and he is always having problems with his impellers jamming.. hmmmm i wounder why. :ROFL:
 
Get a couple of sponges for an AC70, cut them to go over the intakes of the filter.

I use a python and skim the surface to get the crap off of the sand. I would also suggest pool filter sand because it's cheap and fairly coarse (not to mention clean) so it wont get kicked up as easily.
 
Thanks. I was thinking about getting Tahitian moon sand from Drs Foster and Smith. It looks interesting. I was thinkign about it and decided to do this with my 30 gal. Which has a submesable whisper filter (that thing works pretty damn well, actually). So the python wont suck the sand up? I guess it depends on how careful I am.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=7324&N=2004+113555
 
Thanks for all your help :thumbsup: Can't wait to get it setup
 
No trouble with the sand in my tanks.It is better to leave the tubes shorter on the filters if your oscar is a digger
 
also...if its not tooo late..u should go and try get some pool filter sand instead..cause theyre just heavy enough not to get sucked in nor get sucked by the python..also malasyan trumpet snails are recommended for sand..for they will aerate your sand and there wont be any possible rotting spots..they'll turn the sand for u..n serve as good food for bottom feeders
 
i don't expriment with sand no more, i use to have 100lbs of white playsand it destroyed 2 of my 110gallon filters. i had to do 60percent water change everyday for a month when i came home from work.
 
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