Substrate

[downset21]

im looking at everybody else's posts, i went overboard. haha

 

[dacox]

im looking at everybody else's posts, i went overboard. haha

Na it was good. I liked the info on the eco-complete stuff.

 

[pesky2118]

Pool filter sand. I've never had a problem with it stirring up too much. I keep my filter intake about 10 inches above the sand level.

 

[vanimate]

None, painted black bottom.

 

[Stang1]

Alrighty, Who uses what for substrate? sand, stone, gravel? I personally have tried sand, but it was killing my fillter everytime i went to do a water change the sand would stir and my filter would suck it up and now its pretty messed up sometimes it gets fairly loud and others it pretty quiet. Just curious of what most people use.

Off to work will check this when I get home.

I was forced to switch from sand back to gravel for that very reason

 

[Daniel Machado]

River rounded gravel/ pebbles. If I used sand, it would be pool filter sand... Not playsand or potting sand. My 0.02

Best regards.

Daniel.

 

[illustrae]

The filter problems you described are pretty common with sand substrates. One way to avoid this and still keep the sand is to put a filter sponge over your intake, or use a prefilter. All you have to do is take it out and give it a quick rinse when you do water changes.

 

[Idealconcepts]

Changed my 135 from PFS to 3M Color Quartz Blk Grade S (basically black sand) and my 300 from Pea Gravel to PFS. Sand is easier to vac since stuff doesn't get inbetween the rocks and just sits on top of the sand. You can also use an UGJ system to circulate the fish poop around so eventually the filters take it in. I have pre-filter sponge covers on my 135 canister intakes and the UGJ and on my 300 there are overflows at the top so sand rarely gets into it and the UGJ has a prefilter also. My vote is for sand.

 

[halkinman]

Put a small bowel or plate on the bottom of tank when pouring water in it will not stir up sand.

 

[johnnylaw1984]

pea gravel is my choice...looks great, and easy to clean