Using snad as a substrate

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Ryanwoodz

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Feb 17, 2005
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Using sand as a substrate

Decided today that I would set up my 10 gallon with sand to see how I like sand as a substrate. If i like it I will then use it in my larger tanks. Anyways I have a couple of questions for those who are already using sand.
1. Some of the sand has floated to the top in very small clumps... Will they eventually get water loged so to speek and sink back down.
2. Also the sand at the bottom seems alittle clumpy, not so much like sand. Will this change as the water soaks into it??

Also the sand im using is Estes' brand
Labeled Ultra Reed (Marine Sand) is specifically states that IT IS safe for fresh or salt water.

Thanks for the info,

Ryn
 
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Your answers:

1- Sand will eventually sink. When I had that problem I used a fork to destroy the clumps and free the little air bubbbled that kept it floating.

2- also, use the fork to dissasemble any formation until it's soft and even. Ater you do this, you'll have more floating sand.

Just repeat and let it sink BEFORE you turn any filter on. Sand in your filter propeller will jam it and burn it.

Remeber you can not use Under Gavel Filters (UGF) with sand.
 
Cool, thanks for the reply. Yep im not using a UGF.... I have a Mimi Bio Wheel 99 that i will be using once all of the sand settles.
 
Patoloco

All in all how do u like using sand as your substrate? Im currently working on getting all the sand off the top of the water, its seems to be a slow process :(
I was also wondering, do you have any cleaning tips, when syphining the substrate? Also, with the light color of the sand have you had any problems with alge? I know when I use light colored rocks I often have alge problems.

Thanks again,


Ryan
 
the only thing about sand is, when its dirty it looks bad. so if u can keep it clean it looks good.

i use gravel myself.
 
Yea, thats why im trying the sand thing out on a smaller tank. I really like cory's so i have a small army of these guys ready to go as soon as the tank is all set-up. Ive heard these guys are great for keeping sand clean. I guess i will find out.

Ryn
 
The best way I've found to clean sand is to take the gravel tube just above the substrate and swirl it. This kicks up the stuff laying on top enough that you can remove it without taking a bunch of sand with it. Not to worry about poking the tube in the substrate as sand compacts and everything lays on top anyway. You'll want to stir you sand occasionally but I do this by hand. Cory's are excellent little scavengers (and they love sand) they do a good job of eating uneaten food but they don't eat fish poop. It's your job to remove that.
 
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