Hey guys,
I am considering a switch from gravel to sand in my 46 gallon tank. However, I have a lot of questions and I keep getting mixed results when I search online. I'm hoping you guys can help me!
First of all, what is the best kind of sand to use? I've heard pool filter sand is the cheapest and best choice, is that true? How much would I need for a 46 gallon? What all do I need to do to make this switch as stress free and successful as possible?
My tank is fully cycled and I am very concerned about causing it to re-cycle because of the switch. Will keeping my old filter media be enough BB or should I keep some of the gravel in the tank as well? (I have a dual 60g filter plus a back-up 45 gallon filter all with carbon filter pads in them)
Once the sand is in the tank, do I need to do anything to protect my filters from getting sand in them? I have a full grown Blood Parrot and I am afraid he will kick up a lot of sand.
Finally, I've heard a lot of scary stories about sand getting anaerobic air pockets in it and harming fish. Is there a way to prevent this? How do you successfully siphon sand?
Sorry for the massive amount of questions, I just want to make sure I do this right! - Here's some bonus pictures of George for helping me out!
I am considering a switch from gravel to sand in my 46 gallon tank. However, I have a lot of questions and I keep getting mixed results when I search online. I'm hoping you guys can help me!
First of all, what is the best kind of sand to use? I've heard pool filter sand is the cheapest and best choice, is that true? How much would I need for a 46 gallon? What all do I need to do to make this switch as stress free and successful as possible?
My tank is fully cycled and I am very concerned about causing it to re-cycle because of the switch. Will keeping my old filter media be enough BB or should I keep some of the gravel in the tank as well? (I have a dual 60g filter plus a back-up 45 gallon filter all with carbon filter pads in them)
Once the sand is in the tank, do I need to do anything to protect my filters from getting sand in them? I have a full grown Blood Parrot and I am afraid he will kick up a lot of sand.
Finally, I've heard a lot of scary stories about sand getting anaerobic air pockets in it and harming fish. Is there a way to prevent this? How do you successfully siphon sand?
Sorry for the massive amount of questions, I just want to make sure I do this right! - Here's some bonus pictures of George for helping me out!