Adding Silver Sand to Existing Gravel

[nagukush]

Hi Friends !

Today I added about 2 inches of Silver Sand on my existing gravel (which was just some cheap black chipings and stones) - Just wanted to know if this is safe and ok ? I just thought that my Fronts would love the sandy bottom...

Kindly guide me a little here...
Thanks a lot !
Kush

 

[nagukush]

Will the Silver sand sink and the old black gravel come up on top again in some time ? Can I do anything to prevent it, Friends ?

 

[KIM_TMA]

Well from my past experience of sand and gravel, Yes the gravel will eventually rise again. With sand you need to be careful of hazardess gases building under it, you will need to stir it from time to time and some mts wouldn't hurt either.

There is nothing you can do to prevent it except remove the gravel.

 

[nagukush]

Well from my past experience of sand and gravel, Yes the gravel will eventually rise again. With sand you need to be careful of hazardess gases building under it, you will need to stir it from time to time and some mts wouldn't hurt either.

There is nothing you can do to prevent it except remove the gravel.

Hi there !

Yes, I will stir it regularly. Also please let me know, What is mts ? Kindly guide me...

Also, will the gravel rise again even if the top sand layer is thicker than the bottom gravel layer ? Wont the sand compact so that the gravel wont rise again ?

 

[justahannah]

You wouldn't want your sand to compact though, that is what would potentially cause noxious gasses to build up in it. MTS are malaysian trumpet snails, a hardy livebearing snail that stays fairly small and valued because they tunnel through the substrate, helping to keep it and plant roots healthy. Manual stirring periodically is good also.

 

[nagukush]

You wouldn't want your sand to compact though, that is what would potentially cause noxious gasses to build up in it. MTS are malaysian trumpet snails, a hardy livebearing snail that stays fairly small and valued because they tunnel through the substrate, helping to keep it and plant roots healthy. Manual stirring periodically is good also.

Hi there !

Thanks for the reply ! Any ideas on where I can get the Snails ?

 

[justahannah]

I got mine from another member here on AC (you could check the classifieds, though I don't know about interstate/international shipping, the seller may need to have permits), I've also heard that some LFS get them as pests on plant shipments and are willing to let them go for free. They look like this http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167246 and you can always google them for more info. Good luck!