If you add a layer of sand to an existing layer of gravel does it stay put or sift down through the gravel. This is a 10 gallon non planted tank. I thought adding some white sand to the white gravel would be nicer for the froggies and the pygmy cory cats I want to get. I know there are lots who just don't like sand and gravel but I already have the gravel and don't really want to do a whole change over.
sand and gravel
- Thread starter sillyputty
- Start date
I also started my tank with gravel. Then decided to plant it. Added laterite and sand over that. Over a few months the sand will settle down in the gravel if the layer isn't thick enough. Vacuuming will also help it drift between gravel crevaces. I just wait till I have a large enough spot and mix up some more sand and put it in the tank, burying the gravel again.
It will just take time. My plants seem to like it though. They are thriving better now than when it was just gravel.
It will just take time. My plants seem to like it though. They are thriving better now than when it was just gravel.
I converted my 40 gal over to sand this past week, and it wasn't that bad.
On Wednesday i did a water change and before filling it up, i took about 98% of the gravel out with a net. Then on Saturday i put Tahitian Moon sand, looks great.
a few things i picked up in the process:
1. you don't need as much sand for your tank to look nice, i have about 1/2" to an inch of sand.
2. the Moon sand is heavy enough that it does float around, you can pretty much get your impeller filters running right aftr a water change..
4. With black sand, all your fish crap and food scraps just sit on top of the sand easily visible.
3. Vaccuuming is a breeze with a Siphon Kleen, when gently combing over the sand, the suction is strong enough to pull fish crap out of the tank, but not strong enough to pull the sand out of the tank. I just have some sand swirling around the bottom inch of my siphon kleen while kleening.
On Wednesday i did a water change and before filling it up, i took about 98% of the gravel out with a net. Then on Saturday i put Tahitian Moon sand, looks great.
a few things i picked up in the process:
1. you don't need as much sand for your tank to look nice, i have about 1/2" to an inch of sand.
2. the Moon sand is heavy enough that it does float around, you can pretty much get your impeller filters running right aftr a water change..
4. With black sand, all your fish crap and food scraps just sit on top of the sand easily visible.
3. Vaccuuming is a breeze with a Siphon Kleen, when gently combing over the sand, the suction is strong enough to pull fish crap out of the tank, but not strong enough to pull the sand out of the tank. I just have some sand swirling around the bottom inch of my siphon kleen while kleening.
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