View Full Version : Oscar question?
Sregnar35
11-25-2003, 1:34 PM
Could I use a sand bed in a 55g tank with 1 oscar? If so, how deep and is it ok to use playsand like I would in a SW tank? What are the drawbacks to using sand?? Cleaning? Trapping detrius? Unwanted bacteria buildup?
OrionGirl
11-25-2003, 1:43 PM
I have sand in several panted tanks with no problem, but I do not have any diggers. As long as you maintain the bed by turning it regularly, or by leaving it undistrubed, sand is fine. A 1 inch layer should be okay. Solid wastes are easily seen (good for cleaning, bad if you don't clean it often). Cleaning is easy-you just sweep above the surface and everything floats up and is easy to get.
Sregnar35
11-25-2003, 1:46 PM
Great, thanks!
Boy, you are going to have a major mess if you put an Oscar in a tank w/ a sand bottom! They constantly dig and redecorate the tank. The sand will stay in suspension making the tank really cloudy. It'll get into the filter too. I really recommend that you don't do it, I think you'll be very unhappy w/ the look.
Sregnar35
11-25-2003, 2:19 PM
What if I sponge the intake on the filter? Won't the sand stay somewhat heavy like it does in a SW tank, my SW has sand and as much as I stir it up it settles really quickly because it's loaded with bacteria