I've been told that using sand for a substrate is a bad idea for a red tail and a RTC x TSN hybrid. Is it because to much sand will be kicked up, or will they swallow to much of it? Idk, also does regular gravel or sand influence the chances of getting your catfish onto massivores because I've tried with my red tail and he wasn't even worried about them. There is also about the same sized gravel as the massivores in that tank. Need Help Please...
Is having sand for a substrate a bad idea for a RTC and a RTC x TSN?
- Thread starter Gmoney231
- Start date
I always use sand, gravel will harbour too many tiny pieces of food and undergravell filters are no use for large fish.
None of my predators have ever taken massivore, in fact the largest fish i know that will eat them are clown loaches and tin foils and both of these will eat anything, feed your predators on real food-it will be cheaper anyway.
None of my predators have ever taken massivore, in fact the largest fish i know that will eat them are clown loaches and tin foils and both of these will eat anything, feed your predators on real food-it will be cheaper anyway.
On the subject of sand, how do you guys clean it? I have an open pool of around 1000 gal with a 28" RTC, two 20" black Pacu and four big plecos (it's them that make a mess) As it's a pool I don't get much suction from the syphon cleaners.
Mark
Mark
If maintenance is an issue, I'd go with no substrate at all. And a powered pool vac will take care of your maintenance to remove debris, algae and 'scummy' deposits on the bottom of your pond. A power vacuum connected to a pool diatom filter will likewise help polish your water.
BTW, beautiful setup. I'm sure we'd all like to see its construction plans and materials used. C'est tellemont beau!!!
BTW, beautiful setup. I'm sure we'd all like to see its construction plans and materials used. C'est tellemont beau!!!
Hi oddball,
thanks for your comments. I'd like to keep the sand as the pool lining is black gel coat, so without sand it will look pretty dark. The movement of the fish sends quite a lot of dirt into the filter- I just cleaned the brushes and foam, and they were pretty dirty after two weeks.
My ultimate aim is to get the water good enough to add a couple of Rays (another reason to keep the sand)
construction: walls are poured reinforced concrete 4" thick, window is 20mm thick 2x 10mm laminated 4ft x 2ft approx size 3500l (approx 900gall) interior was glassed and sealed with black gel coat. Filtration, home made glass 4 chamber tank 240l (60 gall) brushes/foam/bio balls/pump and heaters
Mark
thanks for your comments. I'd like to keep the sand as the pool lining is black gel coat, so without sand it will look pretty dark. The movement of the fish sends quite a lot of dirt into the filter- I just cleaned the brushes and foam, and they were pretty dirty after two weeks.
My ultimate aim is to get the water good enough to add a couple of Rays (another reason to keep the sand)
construction: walls are poured reinforced concrete 4" thick, window is 20mm thick 2x 10mm laminated 4ft x 2ft approx size 3500l (approx 900gall) interior was glassed and sealed with black gel coat. Filtration, home made glass 4 chamber tank 240l (60 gall) brushes/foam/bio balls/pump and heaters
Mark