Sand as substrate

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

Plattypus5420

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 20, 2008
80
0
0
Winston Salem, NC
Since being on this site i've noticed quite a few use sand as substrate and i really like the look, is there a specific kind to get? will some fish not handle it well? I have one tank with GSP and its set up brackish, and then another with Platys and a pleco... Is there white sand? lol i'm sorry if that's a dumb question, i'm very new to fish keeping but it's become such a passion to get bigger tanks because they are just beautiful. Thanks in advance :)
 
There are all different kinds and colors to choose from. Some people prefer to use pool filter sand because it is heavy and cheap. I had a GSP tank set up with sand and they loved it. They would bury themselves in it. Personaly I use black sand. I think it brings out the colors of certain fish and looks realy nice in the tank.
 
I use King's play sand which is just washed beach sand so imo it is perfect and looks natural, pool filter is to white for me.

here is a vid so you can see. watch the pleco, he start to stir it up trying to get in a ornament.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUkuFKHxdj8
 
is sand harder to clean?
 
I find i a lot easier to clean, most of the stuff just stays on top
 
I have a question, when you clear your sand do you have to dig into it like you do gravel, and if so, does the sand get sucked up easily?
 
BushFishRox;1643275; said:
I find i a lot easier to clean, most of the stuff just stays on top
Click to expand...

:iagree:
 
gonnelro;1643282; said:
I have a question, when you clear your sand do you have to dig into it like you do gravel, and if so, does the sand get sucked up easily?
Click to expand...

you just have to mix it once in a while to release any gas pockets created by rotting organic matter. And yes the sand does get sucked up easily which is why you just have to hover above the sand with the vac.
 
can you use sand from the beach?
 
Someone on here tried it, and while they were washing it out found a whole bunch of critters, so I wouldnt do it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom