HELP: Setting up a 10gal sand tank.

[TipStylez]

Hey im thinking of putting togeather a 10gal tank with sand as the gravel and a few rocks, some live plants.

What do i need? i got a 20gal filter but dont i need the sponge thingy to cover the inlet from sucking in sand. And where can i find the sponge thingy?

And how in the world do i keep the sand clean?! I dont think you can siphon it.

And im thinking of some fish thats colorful but about 1-2inches big like cichlids but less agressive and able to be kept in a group of 4.

Thanks
-Q

 

[Kasakato]

You will need a prefilter. This is basically any aquarium safe sponge with a hole cut in it for the filter intake. This will take out any sand that can damage the filter.

You will need to mix up and stir the gravel every month to prevent gas from building up. To clean it, simply hover the gravel vac above the sand so it picks up the poo and not the sand.

 

[TipStylez]

you gotta pic of the pre filter? or a link i can buy it...dont know much aquarium words haha...IM A CAR GUY DAMIT!

 

[sumoschro]

Here ya go dude

 

[knashash]

FYI...I dont use a pre-filter and have had no problems with my filter at all...I have the same set-up 10 gallon planted tank with sand substrate...30watts of light and DIY C02.....

I put laterite down before the sand as well.....

 

[TipStylez]

^ your tanks nice, just needs more plants. What are thos plants on the right? i want some ground coverage plants like that all over.

Thanks
-Q

Thanks for the link too

 

[knashash]

Yeah...thats actually an old picture when I first set the tank up...plants are much bigger now....the plant on the right is some type of grass plant...the name escapes me right now.

 

[TipStylez]

what kind of fishes are there that will stur up the surface of the sand once in a while? I know clownloaches will. But i got them already in my 30gal.

 

[knashash]

I have 5 cories in there with my betta.....they seem to do a good job of sifting through the sand......they love it

 

[TipStylez]

Yeah i always wanted cories, you guys think a 10gal would be good for 2 puffers? I saw some bumble bee looking puffers that i like ALOT...but havent seen any of em around at LFS.