Sand versus gravel

Z

zatxn

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Jul 31, 2009
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I'm kind of new to this so what is the difference between sand and gravel in a planted tank? Just wondering, which one is more beneficial to the fish and plants in the tank?
 
It depends on the fish and the plants... most don't really care either way, it's a matter of your preference. Most plants will be easier to plant in sand, and some fish will dig in sand. Most people decide after a while that they like sand better, so I would say to just start with sand.

Make sure you wash it very well.... Any junk you don't get out will just cloud your tank.
 
If you decide to go sand, you can try play sand or pool filter sand since they're really cheap for a 50lb bag.

The play sand will require a lot more washing, but it's worthit if you like the color :D
 
I like sand so much better. Its easier to clean! when i emptied my tankof the gravel, i found stuff rotting in there... even though i had tried to clean it. With sand, you siphon off the top layer... my fish tank me for it ;)
 
Thanks for your input guys. I have two bags of play sand and i think i'll put a layer on top of some substrate. Is it hard vacuuming sand in comparison to gravel?
 
I too think its a matter of personal preference. Sand has been easier for me to plant with but I see no major differences in terms of growth or overall health.

With sand all the waste will collect on top of it, so all you have to do is hover your vac over the pieces to pick them up. You may lose some sand with smaller grain sizes but it wont be a large amount.
 
i too use sand in my tank. what i found is that if you forget to do a weekly gravel vac then all the waste accumulates quickly at the top of the sand and looks really dirty compared to gravel but if you do your weekly vac it should be fine
 
I've actually noticed that if waste accumulates on top of my sand, I need to clean my filter. It only sits there (with my set-up) with reduced flow. With gravel, the stuff is still there, it is just harder to notice that the tank needs cleaned.
 
I run a tank with gravel and a tank with sand. I used medium blasting sand in my 30 gal long tank and love it. Prefer it to gravel.

It is real easy to vac. Just suck the waste off the top of the sand.
My convict loves it to as he is always digging around in it.

*****OH one more important word of advice. When cleaning your sand, you need to make sure to stir it up at least once a month so that pockets of decaying bacteria do not delevop in your sand bed.
 
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