This is my tank now...
Planning to change the substrate to something like this
Photo credit to MFK member FSM
My concerns...
1. Not sure if it would look "natural"
2. I gravel vac once a month, its a 250g tank, currently some of the poop disintegrates and goes to the bottom, the problem lies when the cichlids starts digging and debris starts floating into the water column until the filter gets it, if i use sand, poop will now stay on top of the sand until the filter gets it... not sure which is worse ???
Whats your thoughts ?
Should i change my substrate from gravel to sand ?
- Thread starter qguy
- Start date
I changed to sand oh 2 years ago after using gravel for years. Love sand !! Easier to clean, my nitrates are finally under control. For cleaning, I will stir the sand bottom oh 30 minutes before I start vacuuming. With a little bit of practice, it will soon become a routine. Now I keep African Cichlids, they love the sand. Not sure if sand is true for other species of fish though.
Only used gravel for a couple of years and got sick of how filthy it was, now all I've ever used since is sand. My fave being black granite sand. The colours of my gt & old dwarf cichlids always looked so bright and awesome over it. Only ever run it about 7-8mm deep these days for optimum cleanliness, even when I stir it up during water changes it doesnt really go all that cloudy. If you click on my avatar pic you will see it. Love the way it darkens up an American cichlid tank.
All my tanks are sand as well. Everyone basically covered the pros and cons of sand. My Oscar ruined a filter from spitting sand into it. Get creative, use decor to help block the intake, put a sponge over the intake, if you get larger sand grains you can use an old net around the intake.
If you do switch, you'll learn your own way to deal with with any problems.
If you do switch, you'll learn your own way to deal with with any problems.
I currently have gravel in some tanks and sand in another. By far, I love the sand so much more. Personally, I love the look of it. It seems more natural to me, but everybody has different tastes when it comes to that. The sand is way easier for me, poo stays on top and is easy to siphon and I bury the gravel vac in the sand every so often to prevent gas bubbles. I have a cornerflow system, so I haven't had a problem with it getting in my canister.
Everyone has different experiences with it, they both have pros and cons. It's basically up to personal preference.
Everyone has different experiences with it, they both have pros and cons. It's basically up to personal preference.
Finally got to remove the gravel, been 16 hours since the removal and a lot less debris in the water, there is a a section where poop collects, i would need to add a small pump to stir up that section and stir them near the drain going to the sump.
I would need to add a large PVC pipe on my drain with holes at the bottom to pick up the dirt from the bottom
I would need to add a large PVC pipe on my drain with holes at the bottom to pick up the dirt from the bottom
Got some fine white sand, it is the only one available for now......I think i need to add a few wave makers to lift detritus off the sand and into the water column....
when i switched from gravel to sand, during the removal my tank turned into a massive brown cloud of poo; I was legitimately shocked at just how much crap the gravel hid, I much prefer sand; despite the risk of my O destroying my filters with it.
You won't regret the switch, maintenance wise.
You won't regret the switch, maintenance wise.
Hehe, let me guess.... Oscar prefers Eheim and you were using a Fluval ?
