Sand or Gravel

[Cmb Mani]

Hey i want new substrate for my tank.. which is better, sand or gravel?
In respect to
1. being easy to clean
2. planting stuff

Is it true that bacteria grows on gravel over time? so do i have to take it all out once in a while to clean everything ?

Thank you

 

[robroy]

Sand. I've just changed back myself.
Easier to clean-doesn't get crap trapped in it like gravel. I didn't use a lot of gravel but I found it made the tank dirty.
I also feel gravel looks more natural and the fish prefer it.

 

[bluestarjazz]

What kind of fish are you housing some prefer sand
sand is supposed to be easier to keep clean as the debris stays on top instead of collecting under the gravel but can mess up the filters if it gets badly disturbed
either should be fine to plant in

you should NOT clean the bacteria off the gravel any more than you should remove it from your filter and for the same reasons it is good bacteria and degrades waste

 

[ITHURTZ]

I just recently switched to pool filter sand. Waste stays on top so if you got messy fish and white sand its EVERYWHERE. But its EEEAAAAAAAASY to clean without sucking up any sand.

 

[krytan]

Sand.