Sand as Subtrate?

[Wazzucycler]

I was wondering if anybody has ever tried using silica based sand as a subtrate in a planted tank? Would there be any disadvantages? I would imagine the sand would be pretty nutrient deficient at first but if fertilized would it work? Just wondering...:confused: Thanks.

Jeff

[Booswalia]

I used it and it worked really well. I did put about a half inch layer of top soil and and a cup of compost in there with it. Just make sure you put that on the bottom and mix is with about another half inch of sand. Then add a couple of inches of just sand on top of that.

If I did it over again, I would put some laterite in there too.

[Wazzucycler]

Originally posted by Booswalia
I did put about a half inch layer of top soil and and a cup of compost in there with it.

I am assuming that you used regular plant compost? All organic type that doesnt have any manure?

[Booswalia]

I took it out of my compost pile (organic) which would have had some very old manure in it, but very little. As long as you cover it well with the sand and don't disturb the substrate too much when you do your planting and re-planting, nothing will leach into the water column.

Try to get the 3mm size if you can. I used the 2mm size but that was only because I couldn't get 3.

[bozco]

I was told just reciently that if you keep fish in an aquarium you should not use sand. Water is very heavy and it packs the sand down so its like concrete so there is no water flow. Gas forms from the plant roots and dead matter trapped in the hard packed sand and after some time it belches out and kills any living creature you have in the tank completey destroying the water quality. If you've ever walked through a swamp, sunk you foot in the mud and pulled it out only to be rewarded with a eggy smell then you've been hit by swamp gas and the stuff that forms under your sand is the same thing.

[Captain Hook]

You can use sand but it is best to stir it weekly to prevent anerobic pockets, which is what bozco is referring to. I have seen many healthy tanks with sand and I think it looks great but haven't yet tried it.

[Wazzucycler]

Thanks for all the input. I set up the tank this afternoon and went with the sand. A little dusty but that will settle.

[Booswalia]

I used 2mm sand and an Aquaclear 200 filter on a 20 gallon tank. It went for over 3 years before I had any problems with it. And even then I don't think there were any anerobic pockets. At least I never smelled any.