Sand Question

[dismantle me]

Okay here is the story I want onyx sand for my 55 gal. the problem is I dont know how much to get. The tank is 48 inches long and 12 inches wide. I think I want it about an inch deep. I plan on having live plants, so is 1 inch deep too shallow? Thanks!

 

[NatakuTseng]

I'd go with 60-70lbs, that should give you a good 2inch base.

 

[nvision]

personally, i would prefer at least 3" base. some plants such as swords could generate a huge rooting system, and you may want more substrate to keep the roots from crowding up. a deeper base will also help anchor taller stem plants better.

 

[ChicoRaton]

I'd go with about 3 inches as well. my sword plant is still (relatively) tiny and has a huge root system and 3 is about the bare minimum to contain it.

 

[happychem]

I've only got about 2-2.5", but I'm only working with a 33g. With a 55, you've got the tank height to have a good 3" and still have lots of tank height left forthe plants to grow. Go with 3".

 

[djlen]

In a 55 gal., 75lbs. will give you a nice 4" or so in the back, sloping down to 1.5" in the front. Laying it that way will add needed depth perception to a 55, and give the taller growing rear plants more depth to grow in.
And contrary to some people's belief, you can keep it that way by pulling the substrate that drifts to-wards the front, back while gravel vaccing, on occasion.
I have two of them set up that way with Flourite and can't imagine that the substrate you want will lay a lot lower than that, even if it's a bit finer.

Len