Using Playsand... A few Questions.

[LindaD]

I'm in the process of setting my 10g back up. I'm hoping to try sand this time and I found a 40 pound bag of playsand for 2.99. So I couldn't resist. I've read on here about using a pillowcase to clean the sand.. So I'll try that..

But I have a few question... How long is this stuff going to take to settle? I'm using an AC filter on this tank and I'm worried about sand getting in the impeller. Or would a piece of nylon over the intake work? If not, I can use a old corner filter just to get the water moving for now. Also how much am I going to need in the tank?

This tank isn't cycled yet, so I'll have awhile before I get to add fish. I'm in the process of seeding the filter on my established tank.

But any sand tips would be appreciated.

 

[wetmanNY]

If this were going to be a planted tank, you'd have mentioned plants. So it's for sand-sifting cichlids?

Don't make a sand substrate too deep.

 

[LindaD]

I have no idea what I'm putting in the tank yet. Probably a small shoal of Tetra's. Just haven't found any I really like yet.

I want to decorate the tank with low light plants and driftwood. But I don't want to upgrade my lighting just yet. Any suggestions for beginner plants?

I got the sand in there now. It's just above the trim.. so about an inch I'd say. Should I remove some?

 

[LindaD]

Here's a crappy pic.. lol. Too much sand?

 

[wetmanNY]

I'm sure that's not too much. People get in trouble with 3 and 4 inches of sand with organic material mixed into the lower layers.

 

[ChilDawg]

You'd need something that moves sand around in there or else the sand will compact and, underneath the top layer of sand, things will get anoxic...Cories would fit the bill.