help push me over the cliff-to sand substrate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
F

fish head )'>

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 18, 2006
1,034
7
0
S.E. Michigan
For months, I have been struggling with the idea of changing from gravel substrate to sand in my 125 gallon African cichlid tank. I have done searches on the subject and have read many, many, many posts.:nilly: (this web site is awesome) From all the posts that I have read, I like the idea of crushed quartz pool filter sand. But I would love to hear all inputs, pros and cons. I am still unsure. :confused: I have posted some pictures so you can see the tank, in context, and possibly foresee any problems that I, in my ignorance, may have not thought of. BTW: I am using an overflow with a sump, UV filter, a fluval 405 and a AC110. The last two will both need to have their intakes shortend if we go to sand.

PROBLEM ONE: I get a lot of sun light. As you can see from the close up and wide shot that my gravel and rocks grow algae. (Perhaps that is another issue) Will the sand do the same thing-but look really, really bad?

QUESTION TWO: I use a python for vacuuming every 10 days for water changes. Is it any harder to clean sand? What is different?

QUESTION THREE: What kind/color substrate would give a natural look and feel.
Thank you in advance for your time and help MFK. -Mark

100_9776.JPG

100_9222.jpg

100_9525.jpg
 
IMO, your tank looks great already, I don't think sand would look better. When I had sand I couldn't gravel vac most the sand came up and out.
 
I seriously think it looks perfect the way it is:) ............I have the same gravel in my african 125 setup:D ............I really like the way you incorporated the drift wood into the african setup...nice!!:headbang2
 
gave it a try in my 36g. $7 for 50# bag. (Harder to find at pool stores in northern states in winter) I think that I saw the Geo's smile when they saw the sand!;)
So far I like it. I have only done one water change. I sucked up only a little sand up with the python, but no harm, I syphon to the out side anyway.:naughty:

100_9881.jpg

sand pile.JPG
 
Oh, here are some "before" pics. sorry, I do not have close tank shots.
BONUS picture: True action pose. "This job sucks!" HEY, SAVE SOME WATER FOR THE FISH

100_9567.jpg

100_9775.jpg

100_9787.jpg
 
fish head )'>;730118; said:
For months, I have been struggling with the idea of changing from gravel substrate to sand in my 125 gallon African cichlid tank. I have done searches on the subject and have read many, many, many posts.:nilly: (this web site is awesome) From all the posts that I have read, I like the idea of crushed quartz pool filter sand. But I would love to hear all inputs, pros and cons. I am still unsure. :confused: I have posted some pictures so you can see the tank, in context, and possibly foresee any problems that I, in my ignorance, may have not thought of. BTW: I am using an overflow with a sump, UV filter, a fluval 405 and a AC110. The last two will both need to have their intakes shortend if we go to sand.

PROBLEM ONE: I get a lot of sun light. As you can see from the close up and wide shot that my gravel and rocks grow algae. (Perhaps that is another issue) Will the sand do the same thing-but look really, really bad?

QUESTION TWO: I use a python for vacuuming every 10 days for water changes. Is it any harder to clean sand? What is different?

QUESTION THREE: What kind/color substrate would give a natural look and feel.
Thank you in advance for your time and help MFK. -Mark
Click to expand...
The tank looks gorgeous! Why mess with a good thing.
 
They are right it looks awesome...But sand looks real damn good! THe only thing i hate about sand is you can see pooh on it all of the time. as soon as i clean it they sh@T all over it.!
 
DO IT SISSY!!!


Sands alot more better for cichlids. They like to shift through the stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom