Gravel / Sand Questions and comments

[Ang]

I have gravel. Sand to me looks so much better.


Its 125 gallons. Oscar,JD,Loisellei,Jag & Syno Cat.

questions:

1- If the oscar digs in the sand, wont it go everywhere and get sucked into the filters and clog things up and get stuck in filter motors????

2- What is a safe kind to use?

3- Do i need to do anything special to it before putting it in the tank?

4- Can i just take out the gravel and pour in the sand with the fish in there?

5- When doing water changes, do you vacuume the sand like you do gravel??

 

[RTCatz]

I also want these questions answered but I do know that pool filter sand is pretty good in aquariums

 

[RadleyMiller]

1- If the oscar digs in the sand, wont it go everywhere and get sucked into the filters and clog things up and get stuck in filter motors????

Most likely, what is your filtration

2- What is a safe kind to use?

Pool filter, pet store brands, play sand (if rinsed for a very, very long time)

3- Do i need to do anything special to it before putting it in the tank?

RINSE

4- Can i just take out the gravel and pour in the sand with the fish in there?

Pour the sand in carefully

5- When doing water changes, do you vacuume the sand like you do gravel??

No, vacuum right about the sand, since it doesn't trap stuff, you can suck it right off the top


I wouldn't even worry about the "stirring the sand" to prevent air bubbles, the O will do that.

 

[Ang]

I have 2 Fluval 404 canisters. The inlets are close to the bottom.