patrickriley2010
Aquarium Advice Addict
Are you putting airstones/wands in the tank??
Ya why? Do need the bar that sticks to the back or a plate thing ?
Are you putting airstones/wands in the tank??
I would recommend the one that sticks with suction cups to the back. I had airstones in my tank and the bubbles kept stirring up the sand and I had sand constantly floating around the tank. If you put the airstone at least 1" off the bottom you should be ok. I ended up taking mine out, as sand constantly got onto the stone, from my Kribs and Corys digging.....Ya why? Do need the bar that sticks to the back or a plate thing ?
Hey Patrick. I have and am a big fan of sand. I used to have gravel back in the day but since i switched to sand a few years back, I never looked back. I love the look and the ease of maintenance with it. Some people think it can look dirtier than gravel but I believe that's only because they can see everything sitting on the sand. Gravel hides all that, which is not really a good thing. IMO sand encourages better tank maintenance. It is real easy to remove any dirt when doing your doing your PWC, as you just hover over the top of the sand and everything gets sucked out. I really can't think of any cons. Maybe the only one in your case would be, you plan on planting. I have read many debates on whether it can be used or not. Some say yes others say it's not ideal. I am not experienced with plants, so I can't help you there. As I said, it works great with water changers, I have the aqueon. Just hold the tube about half an inch above the sand and it'll remove the waste. It will/might remove a very small amount of sand at first but you'll soon get the hang of it....
SAND(Pros)
1. Looks great.
2. Very cheap to purchase.
3. Easy to work with.
4. Easy to keep clean/maintain.
SAND(Cons)
1. A pain, but not hard, to wash before you put it in.
2. Can cause cloudiness, but very little, if you clean well beforehand.
3. Can't think of any more!!!
Poop sits on top of it and looks terrible.
I would recommend the one that sticks with suction cups to the back. I had airstones in my tank and the bubbles kept stirring up the sand and I had sand constantly floating around the tank. If you put the airstone at least 1" off the bottom you should be ok. I ended up taking mine out, as sand constantly got onto the stone, from my Kribs and Corys digging.....
I agree, poop does sit on top. That is probably a con but every substrate has a few cons. I have molly's, platies and guppies and it's not a big deal. I don't even notice it and I just checked, no poop on the substrate!!. It breaks down pretty quick.......Poop sits on top of it and looks terrible.
Can sand be used with goldfish?
Wow for someone who preaches forum etiquette you sure interupt and hijack alot of others threads with your questions.
Any with regards to sand vs gravel, I haven't used gravel in since the 80's!
So what is the best type of sand to get? I've heard children's play sand and blasting sand. I'm about to start up a Fluval edge 12g and I want to try light coloured sand. I want to add easy, low light plants so does the type of sand play into that decision?
Yeah that'll do it mate. It seems like a lot of work for some sand but it really is worth it. Just use some filter floss in your filter when you add it and it'll clear in no time. Also when your adding the water, use a plate to break the flow of water, less clouding....Is this considered clear if filled and drains about 15 times stirring it each time
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Yeah that'll do it mate. It seems like a lot of work for some sand but it really is worth it. Just use some filter floss in your filter when you add it and it'll clear in no time. Also when your adding the water, use a plate to break the flow of water, less clouding....
Okay cool my aqueon water changer blew up all over my living room
Also what is filter floss ?
Fancy name for polyfill- the stuff that fills pillows and comforters. Any big chain store or arts and crafts store has bags of it inexpensively. Just make sure you get the regular poly and not the flame retardant type as its treated with chemicals.
I would use a new one if you have one. One that has been washed is not a good idea to use in the tank. Also and with respect, a used one will have sweat in it. As Jessica said, they are super cheap to buy. Like a few dollars for a massive bag of it....Ill just cut open my pillows lol
And also as Jessica said, make sure it says 100% polyfil, no additives!!I would use a new one if you have one. One that has been washed is not a good idea to use in the tank. Also and with respect, a used one will have sweat in it. As Jessica said, they are super cheap to buy. Like a few dollars for a massive bag of it....