Bare Bottom

[JustinDavis]

I was thinking of doing bare bottom on my 60G and was wondering should I paint the bottom of the tank black? Not the inside bottom but the outside, I heard everyone does that but for what reason? If I do paint the tank what type of paint should I use?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[GarNiac]

well, to me painted black tank is similar with using black sand, it brings out their color in the tank. Use paints which contains latex, its easier to remove when you decide to change it.

 

[JustinDavis]

well, to me painted black tank is similar with using black sand, it brings out their color in the tank. Use paints which contains latex, its easier to remove when you decide to change it.

Thanks I'll look into it, any benefits from bare bottom?

 

[GarNiac]

easier to clean the tank since they make lots of waste, and you get to see your bichirs alot more, what species are you planning to keep in it?

 

[JustinDavis]

I have x3 Sens, x1 Rope Fish, x1 Ctenopoma sp., and x1 Pirate Perch

 

[tokyogasmask]

IMO, Black sand brings out the greens for sure.
BUT... A lot of bichirs loose the contrast of the patterns making the base color dark.

For example, my Laps, Bichir Bichir etc look awesome on black, but my Endlis, Congis, Ansorgiis etc the pattwrn contrast doesn't look so nice.

Also, all my Bichirs LOVE to burrow and play in the sand. Something that they can't do bare tank.

If you go with Substrate, crushed quartz/garnet CAN NOT be beaten for color and contrast. (IMO)

 

[JustinDavis]

If you go with Substrate, crushed quartz/garnet CAN NOT be beaten for color and contrast. (IMO)

How much would that run by for a 60G?

Justin

 

[tokyogasmask]

Your area I don't know.
I recently sourced 2KG crushed Garnet in my online LFS at ¥600 (about $6us)
I rekon about 10-15KG should do you.

This stuff is as heavy as gravel, but almost as small as sand. Great looking and doesnt get sucked up the filter!

 

[Steveo McNello]

I just took the black sand out of my 125. Made my fish soooo ugly. I had 2 peacock bass that turned almost brown, and a hybrid cat that lost all its pattern.

I did have barebottom once, and I didn't mind it, but I did get sick of it rather quickly. It becomes very unappealing to look at.

 

[JustinDavis]

Your area I don't know.
I recently sourced 2KG crushed Garnet in my online LFS at ¥600 (about $6us)
I rekon about 10-15KG should do you.

This stuff is as heavy as gravel, but almost as small as sand. Great looking and doesnt get sucked up the filter!

Thanks, I'll look into that just now as I'm typing this one of my bichirs are trying to dig their head under the gravel, so I'm gonna get it for him

Justin