Putting Sand Over Gravel to save money

HI everyone,

I want to switch my substrate so I am get a carpet plant going and I want some sort of black substrate. I think it looks so cool.

The problem is I have a one inch trim at the bottom of my tank. So rather than paying big $$$ to fill it all with sand, I am wondering about leaving the existing gravel in and putting the sand on top of it? Smart idea or no?

Also I am curious if I do a blend...ie part sand and part gravel...if there is a good “retaining wall” to divide the two? First time trying it out....I was thinking about having the right third black sand and the rest gravel, almost like a beach going into an ocean....

I have some Val, hornwort, and a couple other plants.

Cheers,

Tyler

 

I guess it would depend on what you keep in your tank.. I know if you have sand and no fish who tunnel through it you can end up with pockets of anoerobic bacteria, which can then kill your fish. At the same time, if you get an eel or goby who likes to tunnel to prevent that exact problem, your sand and gravel would end up being mixed .. not to mention when you vacuum your substrate

 

the gravel will rise to top over time no matter what you do. you can get a 50lb bag of sand for under5$ at HomeDepot/Lowes.

the anaerobic bacteria thing and dangerous toxins building up under the substrate is a myth. there simply isn't enough surface area/bacteria to create the situation people worry about. sure this phenomenon occurs out in the natural environment, but near impossible in a tiny home aquarium.

 

The black blasting sand might be a good option.
The divider could be a piece of acrylic, rocks, a piece of wood...

 

Also if you don't like play sand from Home Depot you can get pool filter sand which is a nice stark white colour, it's safe and inexpensive at Canadian tire or a hardware store

 

I have bdbs in mine, and it looks very nice.

 

I have bdbs in mine, and it looks very nice. View attachment 421295

What's bdbs?

 

Black diamond blasting sand...

 

if you decide to use black diamond blasting sand you will need to get rid of the residue and contaminants. use a small amount of Dawn Pure Essentials Dishwashing Liquid, it is biodegradeable and will make the sand be safe to use after a good rinse.

 

Thanks everyone for the tips! I am going to partition it and have the right third with black or white soil and the remainder gravel. Picked up some nice slab rocks I will use as a retaining wall. Hope it works out!

 

Sounds cool keep us posted with photos.

 

Let us know how this works out! I'm also thinking of switching to sand. Your idea is interesting of using a retaining wall!