Sand Vs. Gravel

[TrevorScott]

I was just wandering if there is any major differences between gravel and sand other than appearance? A guy a the local pet store said that in some fish sand can cause health risks but he didn't go into detail. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Lupin]

Advantages:
1. Detritus are just above the substrate.
2. Avid diggers appreciate that.

Disadvantages:
1. Clogs filters quite easily.
2. May damage impellers if powerheads are turned on while the sand has not settled.
3. Fine grains compact easily resulting in anaerobic spots where toxins are released thereby killing the fish and even choking off plant roots.

 

[Sammie7]

Advantages:
1. Detritus are just above the substrate.
2. Avid diggers appreciate that.

Disadvantages:
1. Clogs filters quite easily.
2. May damage impellers if powerheads are turned on while the sand has not settled.
3. Fine grains compact easily resulting in anaerobic spots where toxins are released thereby killing the fish and even choking off plant roots.

Just want to note that those are qualities of really fine sand (which I don't recommend) and none of those things should happen with a coarser (larger grain) sand.

 

[silentskream]

i will never go back to regular gravel. its sand all the way for me.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I love my sand and so do my cories. It was nightmare to change over but worth it. The fact that waste is right on the surface is wonderful, no decaying matter to get trapped, no stupid gravel vacs or things like that. I think that employee was talking about gas pockets forming, but if you have MTS or just stir your sand about once a month, shouldn't worry about it. Plus, the corries "rake" over the surface, if I leave a line or two in the sand its gone by that night.

 

[Daniel_MoY]

I was thinking about switching my small tank over to sand, Quikrete sand, prewashed and cheap for 50lb bag. But I want to wait a few months to let my tanks settle.

 

[Lupin]

I was thinking about switching my small tank over to sand, Quikrete sand, prewashed and cheap for 50lb bag. But I want to wait a few months to let my tanks settle.

Even then, you will still experience mini cycles after switching substrates.

 

[tankboy_taylor]

Fish waste is much more noticeable with sand Id have to say, since Ive switched over from gravel Ive been doin alot more vacs. Love the look tho

 

[Derringer]

I mixed quikrete sand & play sand 50/50. The play sand is finer and the quikrete is a bit coarser - really looks nice mixed together. Ive only had it in for a few days now, but Im very happy with the look and the cories seem to love it.

 

[dvanv]

I love sand since it is so easy to clean. Nothing to get hidden under the gravel and don't need to use a gravel vac. I love the look and my plants are doing well in the sand.