Media: Sand vs. Gravel

[Savier808]

I'm starting a new bichirs/ bgk tank and I definitely want to use sand!

Is there anything like the pool filter sand that is black or dark colored?

Do you think a geophagus ("eartheater") cichlid would help with stirring the sand?

 

[General]

are you guys serious about the siphoning procedure, especially you fishman0 as an engineering student. it is simple fluids mechanics, just submerge the entire (or at least partial) python. then use your thumb to cover the draining end of the python and when there is enough water below the tank gravity takes over and your mouth never has to come close to fish poop or the water.

 

[Fishman0]

are you guys serious about the siphoning procedure, especially you fishman0 as an engineering student. it is simple fluids mechanics, just submerge the entire (or at least partial) python. then use your thumb to cover the draining end of the python and when there is enough water below the tank gravity takes over and your mouth never has to come close to fish poop or the water.

I had no issues with staring a siphon... i know my hydraulics haha..
I was wondering how/what was the best method of cleaning sand not starting a siphon. once the tube is filled or has a water level lower than the upper tank gravity will do the rest until it reaches an equilibrium or empty the tank.

And Savier, i worked in the pool industry for years and never saw any PFS that was colored (Doesn't mean it doesn't exist) the only colored product is either the "sand" at the LFS or 3M Color Quarts but that is difficult to buy in certain areas