Will substrate affect filtration in STINGRAY tank?

[kapilan]

Hey guys,

Planning to house 2 BD rays in my 300 gallon tank and I want to add sand as my substrate. 300 gallon being the bare minimum for rays, I don't want the substrate to affect the filtration process. Will adding substrate make the maintenance harder such as siphoning out the debris and stuff? Please advise, thank you!

 

[spotfin]

It should be easy enough to siphon out debris. What type of filter(s) do you have? Depending on the type, there may be an issue with sand getting sucked up into the filter.

 

[kapilan]

It should be easy enough to siphon out debris. What type of filter(s) do you have? Depending on the type, there may be an issue with sand getting sucked up into the filter.

I have a sump.

 

[spotfin]

Should be fine. Add some type of mechanical filter (socks, filter pads) to keep any sand grains from entering your return pump.

 

[kapilan]

Thanks for the advise man! cheers

 

[dookie]

I think substrate stabilizes a tank more than a bare tank setup. Remember the top 1/4" of your sand will host beneficial nitrifying bacteria.

 

[kapilan]

Oh really? Thanks for the info, but what kind of sand?