Plecos and Fine Grain

[yourwar]

Hello, I was just wondering if plecos could be in a tank with a fine grain floor rather than a gravel floor. I thought maybe it might suck in some of the grains on accident or something and it might be bad for it. Please get back to me because I am very interested in getting a specific pleco, but I want to make sure it wont die (of course).

 

[OrionGirl]

Like sand? Yep, no problems. I have several bristlenose in tanks with sand currently, and they've been just fine for several years.

 

[yourwar]

Cool, thanks for the feedback!

 

[IceH2O]

Don't buy that crappy aquarium colored sand...I tried that and everytime my pleco moved it would stir up the sand and get in my filters...Even stopped the impeller one time and shut down the filter...Glad I wasn't on vacation!

I see where some people use sand,it must be a heavier sand..I'd love to use sand again,looks more natural,but not after my last encounter...Anyone know of a heavier sand that would sink or not stir?

 

[yourwar]

Well isn't there some kinda black sand that's called moon something or rather. I thought I saw it somewhere and it was heavy (didn't stir). Anyway just a thought, that's what I'm interested in!

 

[yourwar]

"Tahitian Moon sand"... That's what its called! I'm pretty sure its fine and dosn't stir... here's a pic of some in a tank:

 

[IceH2O]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/sand.php


different sand types

 

[yourwar]

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/sand.php


different sand types

Thanks a lot man, that was very useful and informative. Apparently Black Tahitian Moon Sand is expensive? We'll see... I'm gonna go read the entire page now! Thanks again! :thm:

 

[Halo]

Whatever sand you go with, you can wash the lighter grains out with a bucket and garden hose. VERY expensive if you wind up washing away half of your sand in the process, so I'm really not sure if it would be worthwhile. I just use cheap playground sand, and wash out the lighter 30 or 40 percent..

What kinda pleco? None of them will be hurt by sand, but some of them absolutley love to dig in it. It's fun to watch them shape their own playground. I've named my Vampire Pleco "Ditch Witch" for his digging habits.

 

[TKOS]

To help with sand in the filter take a sponge (the ones sold for Aquaclear filters work great), cut a slit in it and place it over the filter intake. This will keep the sand out. You can diguise it with decorations, plants (real or fake), a big rock etc...