What is the best substrate for a 75g?

[paulW]

I just upgraded to a 75g tank it will have a red oscar, 2 tinfoil barbs and a firemouth, and Hypostomus pleco. In my smaller tank i have gravel. I would like to try sand because it looks better. Will sand work with the fish i have? Is sand easier to maintain than gravel is? If so what is the best sand for the buck?

I've tried sand. It is harder to maintain. You have to periodically stir it to remove anaerobic activity (sulfur bubbles). It can get in your filters. It is a huge pain to do the initial cleaning. It's harder to vacuum as thoroughly as gravel (although it's nice that the debris stays on top).

IMO, the only reason to consider sand is for Africans or other fish that will spit the sand out.. that's cool to watch, but I switched my africans back to gravel for easier maintenace.

I admit, sand looks nice, but not worth it, IMO. On the other hand, I work a lot of overtime, so it's important for me to keep maintenance as easy as possible. If you have plenty of time, sand is more appealing.

 

[paulW]

2 AquaClear 110s

Yes, if it gets in the impellers, it could damage them.

If you have a canister filter with the motor on top (and water entering from the bottom), it's less risky..

 

[Dylan]

I wouldn't worry to much about sand getting in your filters... just keep your intakes a bit higher than usual, and you should be ok... as for sand... its not the fact its harder to clean, its just that its an entirely different method of cleaning... you just skim the surface, then move it around with your hands and skim again, as opposed to just shoving the vac into the substrate. For sand choice, i go with Tahitian black moon sand, but thats just because i like the looks. For the cheapest sand go with pool filter, or play sand, both of which need to be rinsed A LOT.