fine gravel for bichir

[jar2x]

i recently got a 55g tank and want to put a bichir in. i just found some black aquarium sand but its going to cost me about $40 for 40lbs. a bit expensive but its the only sand i was able to find in my area. now i was wondering if i could use fine gravel instead. will it be safe for the bichir? also what is the grain size of fine gravel? more importantly the recommended grain size of the substrate for bichirs? this is a fish i have researched alot and would like to have. however, if i cannot provide a good home, im not going to get hime just yet. btw the bichir i have my eye on is a delhezi.

 

[Dr.B]

Honestly if I were you i would get the sand especially starting out. Sand is SOOOO much easier to clean than gravel and would defiantly save you $40+ of hassel . And with black sand with polys that only sweetens the deal. Some polys start to get some nice green on themselves (Especially the delhezis). But If you really don't want to spend that much on sand I would say that fine gravel is good. I would really focus on size. I would say get the smallest you can find. But i would defiantly recommend the sand My del loves it and he loves to burrow in it. It makes him really look like he's acting like he would in the wild.

 

[jar2x]

sounds like sand is a way better option..thanks alot for the reply.. i think i will be getting the sand. i would definitely like his coloration to come out..

 

[Dr.B]

yeah you can ask most people on here and i think some will be nice enough to post some pics but they can get really green if you're lucky.