Gex or Sudo sand for bichir substrate?

[kinokunya]

Hi people,

I'm planning to do a rockscape similar to the above for my bichir tank. I'll be needing at least 5cm depth of substrate so that the rocks don't fall off from place. Did some reading off the net and found out that thick, compacted substrates might give rise to the toxic Hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

Quoted from other source:
Large particle substrates allow more uneaten food and waste to penetrate into it leading to toxic build ups if not cleaned. Small particle substrates can compact which may lead to areas that lack oxygen. These areas can eventually release hydrogen sulfide – a substance that is extremely toxic to fish.

Would it be advisable to use black fine sand as shown in the picture below.

Alternative would be the hefty 8kg bag of Gex soil for my tank.

Am thinking of driving deep down some dwarf hairgrasses (Eleocharis parvula) despite the known fact that bichirs are bottom dwellers.

Thank you.

 

[polypterus77]

If you dont mind the color of the substrate use pool filter sand, IMO its one of the best substrates for bichirs, or if you want it to be black use 3M colorquartz

 

[Great Basin Benji]

I've used Flourite brand Black sand before, and I had to strain it through some old nylons to get rid of the microscopic particles. After sifting, I only had about 75% of the actual product left, and 25% was so fine that it was basically "dust". After a day or so, it finally selltled down, and by day 3 the tank was no longer cloudy. However, that Gex brand that you've posted looks AWESOME!!!! When I change out my substrate on my Bichir tank, I think I'm going to look for some of that brand. As for pool filter sand, I've never used it, but I've seen MANY tanks here that use it, and it looks fantastic too.

As far as waste build up is concerned, if you have adequate filtration, and vaccuum at least once a week, I think you'll probably be absolutly fine with either brand. The smaller particles are definately harder to actually vaccuum, due to their smaller particulate size, you'll inevitably suck out some on each water change, but it CAN be vaccuumed. Regardless, you tank set-up looks very nice, and I think with the grasses you're talking about it would look AMAZING!


Ben.

 

[chesterthehero]

birchirs love sand theres no doubt about that.. the black sand you posted looks fine..

theres about 239052134252 threads on how to wash sand and how to keep it out of your filters...

 

[razinski82]

hairgrass ?? your efforts of 'driving deep down' hairgrass will be a waste. as bichirs tend to shovel or dig their faces in the substrate. You will see your hairgrass floating on the water surface the next morning. Better get plants like java ferns or nana that are tied to rocks or driftwoods.

by the way, i'm using GEX soil as substrate but larger particles i.e the RED packet. blends well with driftwoods and greens.

 

[ymolina]

the hydrogen sulfide is trapped air an sits that is compacted into the sand wen the water is added. i had that problem when i started with sand my first time.