Switching to Sand Substrate...Help

[frp13187]

I am going to be upgrading my 55 gallon to a 125 gallon tank but am debating switching to a sand substrate from a gravel and adding a black background as opposed to the blue that my 55 has. Based on my research so far, I was thinking of using pool filter sand. So I have a few questions regarding the sand before I go ahead and do it:

Does anyone have a black background with the pool filter sand? How does it look together aesthetically? Pictures would be helpful too

I am going to be stocking it with some colorful fish...severums, EBJD, eartheaters, etc. Will the sand wash out their colors too much or will they be OK with the black background?

How is the maintenance for the sand substrate as opposed to the gravel?

Sorry for all the questions, but I wanna make sure I do this right. Any help is appreciated.

 

[tdkee1]

I have a black background and I use pool filter sand. I like it a lot. it doesn't compact. its coarse enough that you can vacuum it like gravel from time to time if you want but it isn't necessary because all the fish waste sits on top of the sand. i removed the gravel vac tube from my python and attached a 1/2'' cpvc pipe the my hose. when i do a water change all i have to do is hover the small diameter piping over the sand and my tank is done. the smaller diameter hose causes a much stronger suction. don't use the original gravel vac for sand. it doesn't work.

 

[kallmond]

I think sand is easier. No more smashing your syphon down into the gravel, just hold it a little above the sand and the trash gets sucked up. In my tank there are a couple of spots that it gathers due to currents, so I only have 2 spots to concentrate on.

I have yellow lab cichilds, they stand out against the sand just fine.

 

[cichla81]

i think pool filter sand and black background looks the best on any tank. but in my experience with jds and ebjds, their colors were lighter with a lighter substrate. but i have seen tanks with lighter substrates and their true colors remained. i like the maintenance of sand because all the poop sits on top, which more scheduled cleanings have to happen but i think it looks better. plus, with eartheaters, you really need sand. i have a jurapari, it was in a 75 gal with sand and was active all the time. then i moved it to a 120 gal with gravel and it didnt do a whole lot. switched to pool filter sand and its back to its normal routine.

 

[frp13187]

In your guys' experience, since the waste usually sits on top of the sand, does the tank appear dirty, or at least dirtier than it would with gravel?

 

[Kolossus]

I would say no but I guess it depends on the color of your pool filter sand. Mine is a more natural color and the waste usually finds itself under a rock or piece of driftwood in my tanks so I never see it. If I do, like others have stated, I just get it out...not even wait for a water change. Its just that easy.

 

[KaiserSousay]

I`ll add a “me too” on the sand and background color choice.
You really need to be right close to the tank to see any debris on the sand bed.
As said, it is much easier to clean and better for the fish without all that food/fecal gunk rotting away in the gravel.