Rethinking substrate choice

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

So I started my 29 gallon tank while on quarantine and therefore I made a lot of online purchases including the gravel. It’s Seachem flourite (red clay gravel). The tank is pretty well established now and fully stocked to my liking. However I need a solution to the substrate, namely something more bottom-feeder friendly. I’ve never done sand before, so I was not really wanting sand at first but my current gravel is too sharp. I didn’t know if I could use sand (or something else) to top it with or if I should just completely tear it down and replace it. Is it possible to do all this without catching all the fish and relocating while I top it with another substrate or change it? It seems a little stressful to them not to mention they are little fast fish

 

[FishSupreme]

You don't need to use sand. As long as your substrate isn't too sharp then you probably won't see damage very much. Just put a layer of softer substrate on top of the one you have now.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

You don't need to use sand. As long as your substrate isn't too sharp then you probably won't see damage very much. Just put a layer of softer substrate on top of the one you have now.

Okay. Thanks. Any recommendations on a type? I have hillstream loaches so those are my main concern with getting hurt on it.

 

[FishSupreme]

You can use a finer gravel substrate. The pebbles aren't fine like sand so you can still gravel vac.

 

[ProudPapa]

I'm a big fan of pool filter sand. You can use play sand from a home improvement store, but it will need much more cleaning before using.

 

[FishSupreme]

I'm a big fan of pool filter sand. You can use play sand from a home improvement store, but it will need much more cleaning before using.

Quikrete is the way to go in this group. It has nothing toxic added in, it's widely available at any Home Depot, and it's only about $8.00 for 50 pounds.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

I'm a big fan of pool filter sand. You can use play sand from a home improvement store, but it will need much more cleaning before using.

Oh boy. Okay. I found out with the clay that I’m not great at rinsing so I’ll keep this in mind.
Do you think I can add sand with my stock in the tank? Shrimp, small fish etc.

Quikrete is the way to go in this group. It has nothing toxic added in, it's widely available at any Home Depot, and it's only about $8.00 for 50 pounds.

Am I reading this right? Isn’t that concrete?

 

[Dechi]

Do you think I can add sand with my stock in the tank? Shrimp, small fish etc.

If you rinse it well, pour it from a small container one spot at a time and go slowly, it should be okay.

 

[ProudPapa]

Oh boy. Okay. I found out with the clay that I’m not great at rinsing so I’ll keep this in mind.
Do you think I can add sand with my stock in the tank? Shrimp, small fish etc.

Yes, as Dechi said above, move slow, put the sand in a small container, slowly lower it to the bottom of the tank, and then slowly pour it out. Repeat as needed. Did I mention going slow?

Am I reading this right? Isn’t that concrete?

Quikrete is a brand name. They sell several products. Bagged concrete is one of them, and apparently sand is another one. I haven't used it, but I assume it will also need quite a bit of rinsing.

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

Got it! Thanks!!

 

[Skrabbitskrabbit]

So I forgot about this thread but wanted to update the progress with a photo.
Ive decided to do a few cups of sand at a time each WC (still have to add more sand)
This is play sand that I believe was dyed (in the bag it looked pink like the color of my clay, but all the color washed out which is fine too)

I need to add more sand in general but especially at the back and corners of the tank

(before)