Im working on a project to create an "ancient Egypt" theme in my 29gal. I am thinking of using sand, but I cant seem to find any ancient Egyptian ornaments except for some "ancient columns." I am looking for a pyramid, a sphynx and anything else that could be Ancient Egyptian that is for Aquarium use. Anyone have any experiance with sand? Is it any different than gravel, the maintence aspect that is. Thanks alot.
Sand and Ancient Egypt theme
- Thread starter kyazh
- Start date
I have that theme in my tank. Got all of it at Petco. They have sphinx's afew colums and what not. I seem to recall seeing a pyamid along time ago but haven't seen it in ages. The only problem with them is that the paint wears off after time. maybe you could seal them with something to prevent that I'm sure someone here could help more with that.
Anyways I have moon sand in my tank I'd love to try pool sand or play sand for a more egytian feel. I'd love to show ya what it looks like but I don't have any resent pics loaded online. Good luck hope you find what you're looking for.
-Neo SIthlord
Edit... As for maintaining sand just vacume over it not into it. Also you need to stir it up everyonce in a while so nothing builds up in it. Depending on what you have in the tank it can be easier to take care of. Some fish and snails burrow in the sand so you don't need to stir it. Others ,from what I gather, like ciclids can spit it into filter intakes and trash the filter motors. I've never had any ciclids but I've read you can put a piece of pantyhose over the intake to prevent that. Only other thing I can think of is the problem of scratching the glass with the sand but if you're carefull not a real big worry.
Anyways I have moon sand in my tank I'd love to try pool sand or play sand for a more egytian feel. I'd love to show ya what it looks like but I don't have any resent pics loaded online. Good luck hope you find what you're looking for.
-Neo SIthlord
Edit... As for maintaining sand just vacume over it not into it. Also you need to stir it up everyonce in a while so nothing builds up in it. Depending on what you have in the tank it can be easier to take care of. Some fish and snails burrow in the sand so you don't need to stir it. Others ,from what I gather, like ciclids can spit it into filter intakes and trash the filter motors. I've never had any ciclids but I've read you can put a piece of pantyhose over the intake to prevent that. Only other thing I can think of is the problem of scratching the glass with the sand but if you're carefull not a real big worry.
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An Egyptian theme is an interesting idea. I've thought of doing themes before but I've progressed into the "natural" look for all of my tanks save one with a pagoda in it that my shark and clowns like. 
: I'm strongly considering using all of my old unrealistic decorations to make a "tacky tank." Not sure if I'll actually put fish in it though.
Sand is very easy to clean despite the hype otherwise. I've never had any glass scratching from it nor pockets of gas build up. That only happens in sand 2" or deeper. Also, due to the properties of sand, most of the waste gets stuck on top, unlike gravel which has gaps in it to let stuff fall through.
: I'm strongly considering using all of my old unrealistic decorations to make a "tacky tank." Not sure if I'll actually put fish in it though.Sand is very easy to clean despite the hype otherwise. I've never had any glass scratching from it nor pockets of gas build up. That only happens in sand 2" or deeper. Also, due to the properties of sand, most of the waste gets stuck on top, unlike gravel which has gaps in it to let stuff fall through.
I have been wanting to do a theme tank, but I havent decided on a theme. LOL. I just dont know what I want to do....If anyone has any links to any theme aquarium sites that would be GREAT! Good luck with the egyptian theme, sounds pretty cool....if ya get it done you should post pics...Oh, and you can always check ebay for the decorations...someone might have something.
two theme i had in mind unfortunately they both require a much larger tank than mine to work correctly:
1) ancient civilizations: shows all the great ancient civitlization symbols.
Greek/roman coliseum, egyptian pyramid, chinese temple, and european castle. They can be spread out across the tank in a natural layout with plants/small rocks etc. probably need at least a 200+ gallon tank to look nice and not crowded.
2) rise and fall of roman: start with columns/arch -> colliseum -> colored poisden temple -> destoryed temple -> fallen columns
i like themed tanks that look natural (no rainbow neon gravels!!), and a pure nature tank is just too boring
1) ancient civilizations: shows all the great ancient civitlization symbols.
Greek/roman coliseum, egyptian pyramid, chinese temple, and european castle. They can be spread out across the tank in a natural layout with plants/small rocks etc. probably need at least a 200+ gallon tank to look nice and not crowded.
2) rise and fall of roman: start with columns/arch -> colliseum -> colored poisden temple -> destoryed temple -> fallen columns
i like themed tanks that look natural (no rainbow neon gravels!!), and a pure nature tank is just too boring
I make ornaments from Terra-cotta and such, If your interested and can do a good drawing please send me a PM and I Will be happy to help
hey northstar are terra cotta safe for aquarium? i have a couple terra cotta soldiers i bought while visiting the terra cotta army in china, they are made out of pure terra cotta. Can i put them in the aquarium? it will look nice but i wasnt sure if it's a good idea.