Gravel OR Sand? (HELP)
- Thread starter Warlock
- Start date
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When we had sand we usually just used the siphon hose. We use a gravel vac attachment for the gravel (a must if you go with gravel!), but the problem wasn't the tools, it was the fact that everything (from fish poop to bits of drift wood) showed in the sand. That's what we didn't like.
sand. looks way better and much easier to clean. just make sure you dont put too much. 1/2" to 3/4" is plenty.
Even if you put too much in, its still healthy for your tank.Deep sand beds are used lots in sumps and tanks to increase bacteria productivity.
When we had sand we usually just used the siphon hose. We use a gravel vac attachment for the gravel (a must if you go with gravel!), but the problem wasn't the tools, it was the fact that everything (from fish poop to bits of drift wood) showed in the sand. That's what we didn't like.
Thats not really going to drive me too crazy im def going with sand thanks everyone!!!
ok guys after an hour of gravel removing i got every last piece out of my tank and switched over to sand. unfortunatley the only sand my LFS had for freshwater was very fine sand. This is going to be a pain in the ass to clean without sucking all of it up. It was really expensive too; its Super Naturals by Caribsea and it was $23 for as much sand as you see in the video.. but i really wanted a nice ocean white sand. Heres the video, if u think of a way i can clean this without removing alot of sand please let me know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5loMKyjK_I
Vacuuming sand requires a completely different technique than gravel. What are you using to vacuum? I use just the clear hose without the gravel vac attachment at the end. After you get your siphon going, start with the hose a couple inches above the sand and slowly lower it down to the debris you are vacuuming just enough to suck it up. You can make little swirl movements with the hose to help stir up debris without getting too close to the sand. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes pretty easy.
I see that you have a power head in your tank. I would recommend setting up your HOB and power head so that all of the debris collects in one place, and you can vacuum it out very quickly and easily.
I see that you have a power head in your tank. I would recommend setting up your HOB and power head so that all of the debris collects in one place, and you can vacuum it out very quickly and easily.
Vacuuming sand requires a completely different technique than gravel. What are you using to vacuum? I use just the clear hose without the gravel vac attachment at the end. After you get your siphon going, start with the hose a couple inches above the sand and slowly lower it down to the debris you are vacuuming just enough to suck it up. You can make little swirl movements with the hose to help stir up debris without getting too close to the sand. It takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes pretty easy.
I see that you have a power head in your tank. I would recommend setting up your HOB and power head so that all of the debris collects in one place, and you can vacuum it out very quickly and easily.
wow good idea didnt even think of that! What do you mean by "I would recommend setting up your HOB and power head so that all of the debris collects in one place"? my powerhead isnt very strong at all and i would need to put it in an ugly place to make it get all the debris in one place. But more importantly what about my Hang On Back filter?
wow good idea didnt even think of that! What do you mean by "I would recommend setting up your HOB and power head so that all of the debris collects in one place"? my powerhead isnt very strong at all and i would need to put it in an ugly place to make it get all the debris in one place. But more importantly what about my Hang On Back filter?
I mean mess with the placement of each to create a current that allows any debris to collect in one spot. Right now you only have a couple fish, and they are small, so their poop is small meaning it may be light enough to be sucked into your HOB rather than collecting on the bottom. But if poop or other debris does collect on your sand, you can move your power head and filter around to get it all in one spot.
Yeah, sand. One, you dont have to gravel vac, 2 it's cheap, 3 it looks better. Also gravel will harbour much more dirt, which leaves worse water quality. 1 Problem, you cant have any direct flow pointing down or close to the sand as it will leave really big patches of bare glass..
