New sand

[Marconis]

So, here is my 46 gallon cichlid tank after adding very fine white sand. I LOVE it. Like you all said, the poo is very noticeable lol, but it all winds up clumping in the corners where the intake tubes are which is in the back of the tank so I don't mind too much. The little bits of poop scattered around don't bother me either. You wouldn't believe how much mine pooped in a single night...I mean, come on! My camera cannot capture the true beauty this sand gives my tank. With the 50/50 bulb, the sand has a nice purple hue to it, and it looks awesome. Overall the tank is a lot brighter, which I really like. Sorry that these pictures aren't so great. The sand's brightness is glorified as well.

 

[David14259]

Looks good Marco. I do like the white sand with those rocks. You'll def have to get some kind of sifter or something to scoop up the poop though!

 

[theotheragentm]

Wow, that sand looks great. Too bad they can't have little robots scour the bottom of the tank and scoop up poop. You know, like pool cleaners but for aquariums...

 

[gheitman]

The white sand looks great. I also like the rockwork and plants.

 

[roka64]

I like it a lot. Do "freshies" have snails or sand stirrers that will eat the waste?

 

[neilanh]

MTS will stir the sand, but I don't know of anything that will eat the waste. YUCK!

 

[Marconis]

Thanks guys . I'll just stir up the poo with my python when I do my PWC's. I switched to a blue background (still experimenting ) I like to call this the Salt di Freshwater. (Keep in mind, the sand is not this bright! )

 

[David14259]

Looks good. One suggestion, get some more rocks and build it up higher, or add some taller plants in the background.

 

[theotheragentm]

I like it a lot. Do "freshies" have snails or sand stirrers that will eat the waste?

MTS will definitely stir up the soil, and I have a hunch they will eat some fish waste. I've seen my Ghost shrimp pick up fish poo and start snacking, but I think they are just going after something that isn't completely digested in the poo. I don't think there is anything that will eat all the waste.

 

[roka64]

Hmmm, bummer, we have conchs, snails and all kinds of critters that will. Thanks for the info, I learned something new!

 

[theotheragentm]

Yeah, I'm sure if there was something that went after waste, Marconis and everyone else would have it in their tanks.

 

[Marconis]

That's correct.

 

[powerstroke99]

just wondering where did you get the rock and what type is it? also i was wondering is you have had any problems with algae with the sand and how it will last over time and how much more work it will be to keep clean?

 

[Marconis]

I got this rock in Saratoga, NY. I am pretty sure it is just limestone. I have had lasting diatom problems. It could be from the sand, may not be...I really don't know. To keep sand clean, you should do a weekly stirring and collect all the waste that is on top. Sand gets dirtier over time, but not too much.

 

[paul_219]

Looks gr8.

 

[Bert B]

what kind of sand is that and does it buffer the PH ?

 

[mlennox]

looks great!

 

[black hills tj]

Apparently neither of you checked the date of the thread. The last post was just short of a year ago...october 28...2007!

 

[Bert B]

wow, i sure didn't must have been tired last nite.

 

[MichaelsLilGray]

roflmao... his tank did stand out though.. which is awesome xD