What type of substrate for kuhli loaches?

I've got 2 kuhlI loaches and I'm going to get at least 4 more for my 45 gallon. Mine love to burrow and I know they really need like a sand substrate, but I have like gravel. Where do I get the sand-like substrate? Is there a special type I need? Thank you.

 

You can buy aquarium sand at your lfs or online if you want different colors ot textures. Or if you want cheap and basic you can use pool filter or play sand (white / tan ) or coal slag (black).

It just depends on what look you like and how much you're willing to pay.

 

You can buy aquarium sand at your lfs or online if you want different colors ot textures. Or if you want cheap and basic you can use pool filter or play sand (white / tan ) or coal slag (black).

It just depends on what look you like and how much you're willing to pay.

So I could literally go buy a bag of sand and put it in there?

 

You could, after you rinse all (and I do mean all, don't stint on the water.) the silt out of it.

 

So I could literally go buy a bag of sand and put it in there?

Well not ANY sand. What kind were you planning on getting?Don't get it at a LFS, costs way too much when you could get it much cheaper anywhere else.

 

Well not ANY sand. What kind were you planning on getting?Don't get it at a LFS, costs way too much when you could get it much cheaper anywhere else.

Play and filter sand are cheap, but the texture and color aren't really anything to write home about. Sometimes splurging on a few pounds of fancy sand can make all the difference between an okay 'scape and one that is truly eye catching.

 

Well not ANY sand. What kind were you planning on getting?Don't get it at a LFS, costs way too much when you could get it much cheaper anywhere else.

What type of sand? Where do you get it?

 

You can buy aquarium sand at your lfs or online if you want different colors ot textures. Or if you want cheap and basic you can use pool filter or play sand (white / tan ) or coal slag (black).

It just depends on what look you like and how much you're willing to pay.

So would coal slag sand be good? I was hoping to get black sand and it looks like that is black and super cheap.

 

So I could literally go buy a bag of sand and put it in there?

Yes. But you'll need to rinse it under running water to get the dusty particles out. And it will still be somewhat cloudy for about a day. But it's the best substrate for the little critters. Fifty pounds of pool filter sand at a swimming pool supply store costs anywhere from $6 to $10. Good luck.