Sand

[rickyricardo]

Here is my new tank, as you can see from red arrow my filter intake is right above the gravel line. I want to change the look of the tank by using black sand. Is this possible or will it all be drawn into the pump? And now that I think of it when you guys mention sand are we talking regular small granuale stuff? Do I need to by my sand/rock a little larger than the screen on the intake?

Please bear with me, I'm new.

 

[groovitudedude]

Can you please show a better picture of the filter as a whole?

 

[Bethany]

I think it'd be too close. you can mix sand and rock, but i prefer one media, either or.
The sand is regular granuale sized, you can get heftier sands, but i think the filter is pretty close. I wouldn't personally recommend it...
I like your setup though =]

 

[Bethany]

if your fish kick up any bit of sand the filter is going to nab it =/

 

[rickyricardo]

Thanks

 

[rickyricardo]

Okay then.........part two of this question would be is there a difference between sand and say like, rocks, as far as biofiltration goes. Will the bacteria colonize on the rocks as efficiently as in sand? Hope I am asking this correctly.

 

[groovitudedude]

Okay then.........part two of this question would be is there a difference between sand and say like, rocks, as far as biofiltration goes. Will the bacteria colonize on the rocks as efficiently as in sand? Hope I am asking this correctly.

Generally, feces does not go between sand because it is so tightly packed. Bacteria usually colonizes best in the filter. There's no such thing as a stupid question

 

[Kobeclone]

Okay then.........part two of this question would be is there a difference between sand and say like, rocks, as far as biofiltration goes. Will the bacteria colonize on the rocks as efficiently as in sand? Hope I am asking this correctly.

Yes. I have heard that sand is more effective in biofiltration though...

 

[chesterthehero]

you could always just put a piece of foam over the intake... that works prettygood for keeping the sand out

 

[pcfriedrich]

you could always just put a piece of foam over the intake... that works prettygood for keeping the sand out

foam, sponge, nylon stocking...