Gravel vs Sand???

[hghlndr85]

im deciding on a subtrate for mt big tank, will have mostly, peacock bass, hopefully a paroon shark, few bigger cichlids and maybe a red tail or tiger shovelnose

what is best for a bottom sand or gravel? what will make the fish look the best? happier? easier?

 

[KaiserSousay]

Went from gravel to pool filter sand in an overstocked cichlid tank and it is a heck of alot easier to clean. Crud will still collect around rockwork/decor, but does not collect all over as it did with gravel.
I think it looks better too.

 

[smpage]

I prefer sand over gravel any day.

 

[iloveoscars702]

SAND ftw especially PFS or the 3M brand

 

[Wulfonce]

I like sand but make sure its fairly coarse.

The play sand I got gave me nothing but problems. Very dusty. Dusty to the point where if a fish collided with the sand I'd see the aftermath for days. My filter even suffered damage from sucking up dust 24/7.

Personally I'd never use sand again but in my case, I used the wrong type. Despite my bad experience, I like the look of sand and I think it works well with many aquatic applications.

Best of luck and choose your sand wisely.

 

[JakeH]

I love the look of my black sand bottom, but I have the really fine CaribSea stuff, so I put in a handful of fine gravel in any thin spots & to keep my plants stable. It almost looks more natural with a little gravel laying around...

 

[jus85411]

hopefully its more than 1000 gallons for that paroon shark that gets 8 feet. i wouldnt keep anything you like with it either, will possibly(more than likely) end up as food.

 

[Bderick67]

Sand is great if ya like looking at fish poo.

 

[Aquafrise]

Isn't sand hard to clean?

 

[digger]

Isn't sand hard to clean?

not at all. Also when you clean it it looks new unlike gravel which eventually just looks bad anyway. Go with sand you won't regret it.