What color of sand ?

[neutrino]

...Even at that (2 average sand depth) some fish will make piles of sand a few inches thick. I've never had it cause any problem. Either I smooth it back out occasionally or the fish themselves move it around again long before it could become a hydrogen sulfide factory. The hydrogen sulfide issue is real, but all in all it takes just the right conditions for it actually happen and isn't really that common. Probably as common as anything is a submerged bulb type plant that goes rotten inside.

btw... +1 for pfs of a natural color. Only other thing I have is some Eco-Complete cichlid sand in one tank, which I like also, but a lot more $.

 

[duanes]

I would agree that a deep sand bed is unnecessary, especially with most cichlids.
Even with emergent plants, the tank below has only @ 1" sand depth.

same with this tank with totally aquatic plants


and with regular vacuuming, at the same time smoothing out (as neutrino said) H2S pockets are a none issue.

 

[ahud]

I use a thicker level of substrate (2-3") in my show tanks for plants and burrowing PVC pipe for spawning caves. I still try to stir the substrate occasionally and keep MT snails. According to the article, I don't have much to worry about. Thanks.

Fine sand does seem to trap air. I have added it to new tanks, added water, and even after being submerged for several days trapped air will still bubble up when I run my fingers through the sand. I did not have the same issues with my old brand of PFS, but it was no where near as fine.

 

[metsfan]

Black sand is always recommended. I have it in my tank, it's ok; but can sometimes look too dark.

I'll put up a pic later, sitting at my desk just now so need to be covert lol

I agree. I have black sand in all of my tanks. I think it brings out the color in the fish.

 

[chopsteeks]

White sand for me with dark rocks.