GRRR!!! i HATE sand (already)

[Cohazard]

get some water circulating on the bottom. It's not a big deal. I love my tanks that have a sand bottom.

I agree with rallysman. Water movement around the bottom of the tank (using powerheads with current convection is key) so that feces doesn't settle.

You'll have to play with it at first to get rid of 'dead' spots, and angle the flow just right so that you don't get bald spots in the sand, but it's worth it.

I guess sand takes more patience/skill

 

[navygirl76]

lol i love sand. i have found like everyone else that using powerheads, and directing the flow through rocks and towards the intake of your sump/canisters helps. once a week i sift the sand with my hands, then run the small hose end of my python about an inch over the sand. another trick is to use a powerhead, hold it in your hand, and direct all of the poop towards one end of the tank (and if you have rockwork, use that powerhead to blow it out of the rocks). then give it afew mins.. once it all settles down just skim over the sand and get it all..

also, i know its common sense, but dont overfeed the fish either-less poo! lol.

 

[slowef]

I love sand, once you get the h20 movement right and the tank is nice and established you'll notice it less. Keep that Python close. Nice selection of fish btw.

 

[djarmstrong]

I have a sand bottom in my 300liter planted community and have no problems with mess .

 

[spiff]

Try mixing it with some gravel, so you have it showing through in some places. I do this on my main tank and it makes for a great natural effect. The patches of gravel should collect the solids if there is the slightest current on the bottom...

 

[nuth88]

I use Sand and have a UGJ system in my 150, as previously stated movement is key here, whats great for/with my system is there are 4 dead spots where the waste not taken in by my Wet-Dry. Makes 4 spots for a easy zip up....

Good Luck, Give it a chance, as I did have the same reservations in the beginning, but after some time, I was more then glad I used it.


Glad to hear (again) from the "MFK Stocking Police". Gotta wonder how we survived without their constant yammering.

 

[oscarluvr]

put a powerhead on the bottom it will keep it suspended until the filters can get it.. i had sand in all my tanks no more. went back to gravel and rocks.

 

[new2natives]

Glad to hear (again) from the "MFK Stocking Police". Gotta wonder how we survived without their constant yammering.

hahah , thanks! i was very suprised myself that it took as long as it did for a comment ... anyhow, all fish are under 8", so that tank isnt overstocked yet, and i have a year or so until i get more room

 

[Bawb2u]

Not to add to the overstocking but a couple of geophagus and if you have hiding places some corydoras will help keep your tank a lot cleaner. Sand-sifters and bottom feeders will take up a lot of the leftover food which really makes the tank look messy.

 

[nuth88]

hahah , thanks! i was very suprised myself that it took as long as it did for a comment ... anyhow, all fish are under 8", so that tank isnt overstocked yet, and i have a year or so until i get more room

What ever works for you, I would not take those comments to heart, you know what to do......In that regard.....

I just get frustrated when they pipe in with that opinion, it's like bungholes, everybody's got one...

Not to add to the overstocking but a couple of geophagus and if you have hiding places some corydoras will help keep your tank a lot cleaner. Sand-sifters and bottom feeders will take up a lot of the leftover food which really makes the tank look messy.

Very good point, my 150 has Geos, and Botia, as well as some S.Petricola who dig up the bottom every chance they get......Keep the sand well turned.