Sand VS Gravel VS River rocks

[Dixon81]

I currently have my 125 down and in the process of redoing it. i had river rock as the substrate. The more i look at other peoples tanks i see sand as a substrate. Can i have some info on this. How does it clean up? Where does all the deitrus go? How does it hold up in the long run? What kinds of sand do you use? Can u buy sand from Home Depot?

 

[haynchinook334]

i use pool filter sand, it's easy to clean and keeping it clean is easy aswell. i have one ray that kicks up sand and one gold fish tha sifts the sand, and it keeps the bottom clean, you could use a gravel vac aswell, to clean the bottom. i had this tank running for 10months with no problems.

 

[spexmoneymaker]

i use pool filter sand in my 125g. the sand granules are bigger so they sink quicker. all the debris just stays on top of the sand. it usually collects around decor. to clean you hold the hose a couple inches over the sand. the debris gets sucked up(being lighter) but the sand doesn't. i've only had it for a few months but i like it.

 

[Dixon81]

When you vaccum the gravel doesnt it suck up the sand as well?

 

[Dixon81]

Where do i get pool filter sand? From a pool supply store?

 

[haynchinook334]

Where do i get pool filter sand? From a pool supply store?

yep....$5.00 for 50lbs a bag.

 

[Dixon81]

nice and cheap

 

[andyjs]

Yep, I use pool filter sand as well and love it. When you vacuum the bottom of the tank, just hover the vac over the sand and little to no sand will get swept up, just the waste/detritus. It is nice and cheap. I paid $20 for 100 lbs.

 

[Pharaoh]

I usually pay about $9 for a 50lb bag. I love it. All you have to do is hold the gravel vac about an inch or two above the sand and suck up the detrius. Very simple

 

[oscarluvr]

hmm i went from pool filter sand back to river rock