How much sand?

[bigbadfish711]

I am planning on replacing my river pebbles with pool filter sand my 55 gallon planted tank. I would also like a little sand left over to place into my 4 gallon tank. I would like to know how much sand would you suggest. It comes in 50 lbs bags. Should I get 1 or 2 bags? And how deep would you suggest the sand be? I plan to get the pfs from home depot, but can get it from Lowe's. Any one know of a brand that you would suggest is the best?

Lowe's has this on their website

http://www.lowes.com/pl_Sand_429485...reId=10151&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true

Home depot only lists this

 

[bbortko]

2, Even if you decide not to use it all you're gonna loose some while vacuuming and will want to replenish.

 

[Fat Homer]

Just keep in mind that if the substrate is more than 2" thick, your going to need to stir it at least once a week to get rid of any trapped gases in the sand...

Although even if its under 2" its always good practice to do so anyway...

 

[bigbadfish711]

2, Even if you decide not to use it all you're gonna loose some while vacuuming and will want to replenish.

I didn't think of that. Thanks

 

[bigbadfish711]

Just keep in mind that if the substrate is more than 2" thick, your going to need to stir it at least once a week to get rid of any trapped gases in the sand...

Although even if its under 2" its always good practice to do so anyway...

What gases are gointg to get trapped in the sand? co2?

 

[philfreenode]

What gases are gointg to get trapped in the sand? co2?

hydrogen sulfide i think.. from anaerobic bacteria. keep the sand depth pretty shallow and you won't have this problem

 

[Freezekougra]

i used a 50lb bag on my 55 and it's enough for me

 

[ramcharger1979]

hydrogen sulfide i think.. from anaerobic bacteria. keep the sand depth pretty shallow and you won't have this problem

How long does it take before there is a problem with the toxic gases?

 

[bigbadfish711]

How long does it take before there is a problem with the toxic gases?

I would like to know this as well. I have see some heavily planted tanks that were full of sand. In these tanks there would really be no way to "stir up" all of the sand to release the "toxic gases". Does this become a real problem in planted tanks? Or does adequate water circulation detour this?

 

[andyjs]

I would like to know this as well. I have see some heavily planted tanks that were full of sand. In these tanks there would really be no way to "stir up" all of the sand to release the "toxic gases". Does this become a real problem in planted tanks? Or does adequate water circulation detour this?

Adequate water circulation through the sand will help and normally in planted tanks, the plant roots prevent these "dead spots"