Sand in a goldfish tank?

Lexi_D

Lexi_D

is *Magic*
Nov 25, 2007
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My friend has a goldfish tank and I was wondering if it would be safe to put sand in as the substrate. I read two different articles from google; one said that gravel was not good in goldfish tanks, and the other one said that gravel was a neccesity in a goldfish tank. If my friend was to re-do her tank, would she be able to put in sand instead of gravel? :crazy:
 
the sand would be ok in the tank, I had my GF tank with sand. What became to be a problem though is when they do their picking at the substrate that GF's typically do. They do this so much that it took weeks for the water to clear, then when it did, the impeller had to be replaced on my HOB due to sand particles getting in there. IMO, it looks pretty and all but it's not worth it.
 
I have sand in both of the tanks I have goldfish in, and the other tanks as well (freshwater eels, cichlids, etc.). I think it depends on the sand. I only use Estes' Marine Sand (does not affect pH, hardness, or anything). It is heavy and so it sinks whenever anyone grabs a mouthful and spits it out. I have not had issues with clarity or filter impellers. It is also clean when you get it, as opposed to every other sand I have heard people talk about. I pour it straight in. It is sand, so some sticks to the surface and to bubbles so you have to keep patting it until it all settles. But this is not too bad and only has to be done in the beginning.
 
i wouldn't because of their tendency to dig in the substrate, and roll it around in their mouths while eating. if a goldfish swallowed enough of the substrate it could cause internal problems.

although fancies are much less apt to dig than commons, comets or shubunkins. what type of goldfish does your friend have?
 
It is more natural, cleaner, and looks better. Sand is less likely to cause any internal problems than gravel since it is smaller and easier to pass should they swallow any. Mine are always digging around and I feed sinking foods and still I have not had any issues. Even the shubunkin and sarassa in the 75 have not had issues.
 
I like gravel with my goldfish. Ive had both, but the gravel just seems easier for them since they are ALWAYS digging through it! and how many does she have? their going to outgrow the 80.
 
Sand is more natural and cleaner. The cleaner part is very important in a goldfish tank.
 
Meh. I havent used sand in my tank, but, I'm sure it would be a mess....I mean, with all the diggin goldies do and whatnot.
 
Mine dig in it all the time. Estes' Marine Sand sinks quickly and is clean, so it doesn't dirty up the tank or anything. I also have it with cichlids, also known for their digging, no problems there either. Some sands may be exactly how you describe, but this is made for aquariums and I suspect the problem ones would be the cheapo stuff you buy at Lowe's an dother places. It is no more expensive than gravel so there is no need to go and save money on sand that won't work as well.
 
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