What kind of Substrate should I go with - Aquarium Advice

cterzich · 10-22-2009, 09:55 PM

I see alot of tanks with sand, but I was thinking maybe crushed coral would have the same look with the PH buffer. The only problem with sand I see is cleaning. Can you really clean sand well?

If you could please let me know what you guys use?

Blueiz · 10-22-2009, 10:00 PM

I have play sand mixed with crushed coral in my 125 g cichlid tank. It's not hard to clean, just hover the syphon over the sand.

cterzich · 10-22-2009, 10:16 PM

Do you do 50/50? Hey I just had a idea, and maybe it's already out there. A program like cad, but easier that allows you to input your tank information and design your tank. Kind of like you get to play it out before doing it. I don't mind drawing it, but I rather use something on my pc.

mfdrookie516 · 10-23-2009, 03:01 AM

umm, pool filter sand is the ONLY way to go... but thats just my opinion... i can do a deep "sand vac", and none of it ends up in the sink... it vacs just like gravel, the fish love it, and it looks really nice... not to meantion, it is 10 times easier to initially clean when you put it in...

cterzich · 10-24-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfdrookie516

umm, pool filter sand is the ONLY way to go... but thats just my opinion... i can do a deep "sand vac", and none of it ends up in the sink... it vacs just like gravel, the fish love it, and it looks really nice... not to meantion, it is 10 times easier to initially clean when you put it in...

Are you speaking of filter sand for pools?

mfdrookie516 · 10-25-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cterzich

Are you speaking of filter sand for pools?

in the famous words of Bill Engval... "Here's your sign"... jk... yes, it is absolutely the best...

Blueiz · 10-25-2009, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhemp34

i disagree...umm i was in the same bought i had both natural gravel and crushed corals..everyone said they were nitrate factories...I switched over to PFS and yes it keep stuff on the top but boy does it look messy...i clean my 125 every friday and it looks like i never touched it...the pleco poop is to heavy to lift into my siphon....its just a mess...i wish i'd stayed with what i had..but i've already filled my tank with it and i dont want to change it

What kind of syphon are you using to vacum your tank? I have sand with a little gravel mixed in on top in my 125 oscar tank that houses a 12 inch pleco, and a eupterus cat thats about 10 inches. I use a python to vacum it with, I found that if I leave it attached to the sink with the water running to syphon with it doesn't do a very good job with sucking the poo up, BUT if I take the sink attachment end off of the python and run it out the door, it sux the poo out without a problem. I blame gravity...lol. Maybe this would work for you.

Lynae · 10-23-2009, 03:20 AM

I like the fine crushed river rock, its got the look of sand, but also a little earthy. And its great to vacuum!

cterzich · 10-23-2009, 03:22 AM

I really like the white sand look. I just bought gravel 3 days ago and already used it, so I can return it. I like the sand look, so much I'm buying stuff all over again.

jim692 · 10-24-2009, 09:17 PM

yes, filter sand for pools.