PFS or Gravel

[Aquarium1]

What substrate should I use? I'm kinda leanin toward the pool filter sand. It's cheaper, easier to clean, and better for cories. If do get sand:
1.How deep should it be?
2.My filter is 5 inches from the bottom. Is this enough? If not, how can I make it shorter?
3.Could I seed with a some gravel?
4.Would the sand act as a biological filter like gravel?
5.Is there anything else I should know about it?

Thnx so much.

[mfdrookie516]

dude, definately go with pfs! i just got pfs yesterday in mine and LOVE IT!!! i put one 50lb bag in my 55 gallon and it put a perfect 2" bed... i had a hard time finding pfs here where i live, i only found one place that had it... the filter should be fine.. mine is about 3" above the sand on one, and the hob is about 4" above it, i havent found sand in either filter... you wont regret going with it over rock for sure

[spoonman]

Originally Posted by Aquarium1

What substrate should I use? I'm kinda leanin toward the pool filter sand. It's cheaper, easier to clean, and better for cories. If do get sand:
1.How deep should it be?
2.My filter is 5 inches from the bottom. Is this enough? If not, how can I make it shorter?
3.Could I seed with a some gravel?
4.Would the sand act as a biological filter like gravel?
5.Is there anything else I should know about it?

Thnx so much.

1. I wouldnt go deeper than a couple inches
2. I think that would be far enough away depending if your fish are going to really throw it around. Most wont.
3. Your present filter that is running should be enough. If you want to you could put some of your old gravel in nylon stocking or something and put it in the tank if you wanted to.
4. Sand should be no different than gravel. You just cant use UGF with PFS
5. Just rinse it a few times before you put it in the tank to prevent the clouding of the water.

Good luck. You and your fish will love it.

[RazorbacksFan]

I say PFS all the way I will address your questions one at a time.

1. Really depends on personal preference mine is 3 inches. Anywhere between 1.5-3" should be fine.
2. That should be fine mine is only about 2 inches off the sand and I have no problems with it. If you wanted it shorter to be safe you can just carefully cut the tube with a hack saw to the desired length.
3. Yes you could seed the sand with established gravel but should be unnecessary unless you plan to change the filter pads within a month of changing to sand. If you do want to seed it you can put some gravel in a stocking or sock and leave it on top of the sand for a few weeks.
4. Yes the sand will house beneficial bacteria.
5. You should pick up some MTS to help stir the sand or stir it manually about once every other week to be safe.

[Aquarium1]

Originally Posted by RazorbacksFan

I say PFS all the way I will address your questions one at a time.

1. Really depends on personal preference mine is 3 inches. Anywhere between 1.5-3" should be fine.
2. That should be fine mine is only about 2 inches off the sand and I have no problems with it. If you wanted it shorter to be safe you can just carefully cut the tube with a hack saw to the desired length.
3. Yes you could seed the sand with established gravel but should be unnecessary unless you plan to change the filter pads within a month of changing to sand. If you do want to seed it you can put some gravel in a stocking or sock and leave it on top of the sand for a few weeks.
4. Yes the sand will house beneficial bacteria.
5. You should pick up some MTS to help stir the sand or stir it manually about once every other week to be safe.

Where can I get MTS? I know my lfs doesn't hav n e. I had some snails and they over populated in my small tank. Will MTS? Thnx evry 1. I'll probly b using 50 lbs for the 55.

[mfdrookie516]

aquarium, where in ky are you?

[RazorbacksFan]

Originally Posted by Aquarium1

Where can I get MTS? I know my lfs doesn't hav n e. I had some snails and they over populated in my small tank. Will MTS? Thnx evry 1. I'll probly b using 50 lbs for the 55.

You can ask on this forum and people will usually send you a fair amount for the price of shipping. As far as the MTS overpopulating as long as you don't overfeed the tank you won't have a problem.

[Aquarium1]

Originally Posted by mfdrookie516

aquarium, where in ky are you?

in Montgomery county.

[mfdrookie516]

have you checked around here in lexington? im not 100% sure, but on richmond road right next to hooters, theres a nice shop called animal house, they have about anything you would want, and he can order stuff usually if they dont have it

[Aquarium1]

Originally Posted by RazorbacksFan

You can ask on this forum and people will usually send you a fair amount for the price of shipping. As far as the MTS overpopulating as long as you don't overfeed the tank you won't have a problem.

Thnx I'll hav 2 look around.