Flourite Black Gravel vs. Flourite Black Sand?

HI all! I am very new to the planted tank hobby. I’m currently trying to gather all the things I need and do my research. I’m currently having a bit of a long hard dilemma with substrates, though.

I have narrowed it down to either Flourite Black gravel or Flourite black sand.

My planted tank (29 gallons) will be moderately to heavily planted, with about 8 small silver skirt tetras, 5 various shrimp, and two snails.

I will be using root tabs and liquid fertilizer.
in your opinion and experience, which do you prefer? The Black Gravel or the Black Sand?

And do you think I could do a mixture of both? (Half of the tank is gravel and the other half is sand).

(please don’t comment things you would use instead in terms of substrate (i.e saying eco complete is better or etc, I’ve chosen my brand. just need to figure out what type. You can however give me advice or suggestions for practically everything else. Thank you.)

 

I can give you our experience with sand if it helps??? We chose sand 'cos we have Cories which you don't have... there have, however, been downsides. It's more difficult to vacuum - we've ended up with a really loooong wide vacuum head to stop the sand getting sucked straight out but it can still make a mess - sometimes down to the planting substrate under the sand. Also, though our tank is deep, the diagonal waterflow accross the top and down the front left corner over a week or so moves the sand out of the corner. This was a bit of a pain until we realised the best use for a turkey baster is to suck sand up from one area and redistribute to another. Every now and then, we have to add a cupful of extra sand to the tank too to replace any lost during vaccing - this is another pain too as it takes AGES to wash the stuff to stop the water going cloudy and is awkward to add without getting everywhere - again the turkey baster solved the latter problem.
You wouldn't have any of these issues with gravel so I'm guessing it would come down to simple aesthetics. We think the sand is worth the hassle for us - the cories love it, we like the look, it's easier to plant and now that our basting skills are improving most of the hassle has gone!

 

Gravel is good to avoid gas pockets and makes cleaning easier

 

I've found that sand is easier to clean. Since the debris sits on top of the sand, you just have to wave the siphon above it, and it will suck up the lighter debris without sucking up the sand. Don't stick the siphon into the sand like you would gravel. I have heard of sand developing gas pockets, but I've been using sand for years, and haven't had any problems.

 

I prefer sand myself. I’ve never had any issues with it. Yes you could likely use both but expect the sand to settle and you will likely just see the pebbles on top of the sand.

 

The sand is better cause it will hold your new plants better, the gravel which I use (and personally looks better) is easier to clean and my plant stay put once they get their roots going , if you put them in deep enough they don't go anywhere anyway.