Sand or Gravel
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I too was looking to put sand in my tank. I have white gravel right now for my green terror that is about 3.5". I also have a pleco in the tank. Just curious if first it is ok to do sand with the pleco and second if their is a certain kind of sand that should be used.
So I read that you will experience color change in sand. Why is this? Algae growth? I was thinking of going with white or light brown sand. Is there a way to get original color back if this happens? Or maybe I should consider black sand instead.
G-Code;2820416; said:
If it was me I would just go with black sand because it looks nice in a lot of setups especially with florescent lighting, but generally it can look good with any lighting, it doesn't bleach your fish or have glares coming off it. you can't see fish poo very well, it doesn't stain. And a lot of fish look good with it even some black or dark colored ones.
Thanks everyone for your help. If anybody else want to offer their opinions on color of sand (lighting aspect as well as fish color bleaching) and the difference between upkeep of sand as compared to gravel, please feel free. My new setup will display Red belly Piranha's. THANKS!!!
It's been more than 30 years since I used gravel, i use fine sand often with a thin layer of soil beneath the sand, i have thick growths of plants and have no problems. black sand will make the fishes colors brighter sand stand out better. Most fish live on sand or mud in nature, many fish like to pump sand through their gills and many feed this way. Gravel only serves to hold uneaten food and dirt between the grains. Dirt and uneaten food sit on top of sand. MTS snails are great in sand, they keep the tank clean and only appear after lights out. Sand is the best way to go for a natural looking and healthy aquarium.
