KonaBoy

I was looking at substrate for my soon-to-be 75 gallon, and I was just wondering if there is any major differences between sand and gravel. I'm leaning towards sand (pool filter) because I'm looking at some Loaches, and supposedly they do better with a sandy bottom. How is the maitence different between to two? Thanks in advance,

Cory

hssea

im setting up a new 20 gal with sand soon, so im not an expert on the subject. I did read where sand might trap some gases that allowed to build up might be toxic when released, to prevent this i've read to occassionaly run something through the sand in a tight pattern or have some mystery snails that dig in the sand.

Butterfly

Malasian Trumpet Snails will take care of keeping your sand loose. If you don't have MTS then you do need to stir it occasionally to prevent anerobic pockets of gas from forming. I have pool filter sand in my 75G and have had it in a 55G before. I just like how it looks. It's really cool watching Kuhlis sifting through it for yummies.
Carol

KonaBoy

Ok, thanks So the only matinence I have to do is stir it around say once a a week? Thanks,

Cory

Dino

Also, sand provides a greater surface area for bacteria.
As Butterfly suggested, pool filter sand is an excellent substrate.

GreenMan13

Once a week is what I have heard but I went the route of the MTS. So far they seem to be doing the job well and they will also not disrupt live plant roots. Plus you can get them free from a fish store usually.

Butterfly

If you see debris on the surface just swish the siphon above the surface. stuff doesn't get down in it like it does with gravel.
carol

hssea

should i even try to use the marine sand that i purchased for a fw tank that im setting up. It states on the bag that its ok for freshwater. or should i just get pool filter ? if it state its safe can there still be something in it that will leech out into the tank

Butterfly

I don't know enough about the marine sand to advise you but what you could do is put some in a container and check PH and Hardness periodically for say a month or so and you would know if it will affect anything or not.
Carol

Peterpiper

Hi hssea
If the sand came from the ocean/sea then I would not use it in a fresh water tank.
Marine tanks run at a PH of 8.2, If you can post the brand and type of sand you have then I will have a look and do some research on it and post my findings for you.
Pete

hssea

Hi Pete,

the sand is from Estes "Ultra Reef Marine Sand" nothing else on the package of what its made from. Except is states is non-toxic and safe for freshwater . My water is from a well and has a ph of 8.0 (this is used for that tanks).

Peterpiper

Hi hssea,
think we hijacked this thread, sorry KonaBoy,
The sand looks good to me, heres a link ( best I could find )
http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ct_ID=as-emsw5

hssea

thanks for the link