Need some guidance

[DFrank0109]

So I am thinking about changing my African cichlid tank substrate over to sand (pool filter sand) instead of the gravel which I have now. I am running a canister filter with overflow box. Plenty of driftwood, some larger rock pieces, and 2 plecos. Just wanted some advice on a few things...

1) How easy is cleaning the sand? (gravel cleaner work or is there a better technique)
2) Will the plecos mind the sand?
3) Will the cichlids mind having sand?
4) Anyone have a good technique for putting the sand in without creating a mess in the water? I plan on emptying the majority of the water (and removing the fish while I do it) first but I don't want a mess or my filter to suck up a cloud of sand.

Your guidance is always appreciated!

 

[foldem]

I just made the switch from bare bottom to pool filter sand yesterday. I would strongly recommend that you wash the sand several times over (the more the better). I scooped around 2-3kgs into a bucket at a time, fill it with warm water and wash, repeat process around 5 times. Lots of the finer particles will end up floating to the top each time you fill the bucket up with water.

Make sure you turn off any aeration and filters when putting in the sand. I dint not need to remove the fish or any water. Just put the sand buckets at a time.

The water will be pretty cloudy for 24 hours but will clear up.
Overall i am very happy with the look of sand over boring bare bottom. I've read a few posts about not putting to much sand in your tank as it can cause un-aerated pockets of potentially poisonous gasses. Mine is around an inch thick.

 

[iloveoscars702]

fill a bucket half way with sand stick the garden hose on the bottom and run water through it, agitating the sand with your hand. run until water clears up. that how i cleaned my pfs. ooo your pleco will love the stuf and so will your fish

 

[Natural_Born_Killer]

My cichlids love the sand the get to move it around and everything. They even make caves for themselves deeper by pushing some out.

I would suggest trying to put in little bits at a time instead of just pouring a whole load in. I did that and it seemed to take AGES to clear the water - I was in a rush to move fish from one tank to another.

 

[MonsterMinis]

Have to agree w/ 702 everytime i've used sand in my tanks thats hows i've cleaned it prior to putting in the tank and it works great, stir stir stir w/ a constant flow of water in the bucket until it runs clear. I'm naughty though and usually do it in a 5 gallon bucket in my bathtub... lol. Thats the plan w/ my next bare bottom - sand tank.