Sand V Gravel the great debate

[Juxtaroberto]

I personally do bare bottom simply because I find it much easier to clean. Absolutely no possibility of poop or food fouling the water, because I can see it all, therefore I can suck it all out.

 

[Cohazard]

LOL!!!

Did you mean "anaerobic"? I don't think bacteria understand the notion of starving themselves so they can be all thin and pretty.

Neither do they understand the idea of being a smart-ass by pointing out small mistakes and laughing rather than chalking it up to 'knowing what you meant', or at least pm'ing a person to fix their mistake. Silly bacteria.

 

[Juxtaroberto]

Neither do they understand the idea of being a smart-ass by pointing out small mistakes and laughing rather than chalking it up to 'knowing what you meant', or at least pm'ing a person to fix their mistake. Silly bacteria.

Well perhaps they understand friendly banter and don't immediately act like they've got wooden stakes firmly wedged in their naughty places. Unlike some people.

 

[Hayabusa]

LOL!!!

Did you mean "anaerobic"? I don't think bacteria understand the notion of starving themselves so they can be all thin and pretty.

Dont think its best to associate anorexia and pretty, it isnt pretty.

Not trying to be an ass, just anorexia is very serious and someone suffering with it reading the word pretty associated with it wont help them at all.

On topic, I have always used gravel in all my tanks, but now I am looking at getting a senegalus and real plants I will definately be going for sand.

Any advice on sand type? I was hoping to use black, but seems its quite expensive, so may go with this pool filter sand instead, not sure.

 

[Hayabusa]

I agree, Sand only has cons due to user error. If you have anaerobic pockets then you're doing something very wrong. If you have deep sand, stir it. I personally use MTS and they're the best thing to ever happen to sand tanks. As far as sand being dirty, clean it. Some are dirtier than others but you need to do your part to make it work for your tank. Just like anything else having to do with fish tanks, it needs some prep before it can just be thrown in.

Sorry for possibly a n00b question, but what is MTS?

 

[tdkee1]

malaysian trumpet snails

 

[Hayabusa]

malaysian trumpet snails

Aha thankyou, never kept snails.

 

[uting]

dudes keep the peace.

 

[xboroinc]

1st i go with Glass bottom, then sand if the fish i have work better with a substrate, never again will i used gravel....Maybe large rounded stones but thats it

 

[Moshmarine]

I use the black tahitian moonsand which is beautiful. I've heard many bad things like it can cut the fish or injure it...I've had the fish in the tank for almost a year now I haven't had any issues with my fish and the sand, even my 2' spiny eel who has very smooth skin.