Substrate help!

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Meatloaf

Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Joined
Jun 11, 2020
Messages
15
I currently have a 30 gallon aquarium with gravel but I want to add a sand pool covering some of the tank for my kuhli loaches. What is the best way to add it to an already set up aquarium? How should I keep it from mixing with the gravel? What extra care does sand need? Thanks!
 
This is how i add sand into an established tank. Works a treat.

https://youtu.be/IQMBGzlteK0

Are you planning on removing some or all of your gravel? You might be able to syphon it out depending on your syphon (i have a big syphon with no filter which is great at doing this), otherwise you will be scooping it out.
 
Ok thanks! Any ideas to keep it separate from the gravel
Ive tried several methods without much success. It tends to get mixed together where they meet, which i quite like the look of actually. I've given up trying and now periodically manually scoop up gravel and relocate it and top up sand areas as it gets lost in amongst the gravel over time. Personally i wouldnt do a mixed substrate again unless it was a "rocky shore" aquascape.

https://youtu.be/qt4sWGiBxbI

I've tried a lego method but it wasnt very successful.

https://youtu.be/7IOJr_vaQ-g
 
It will always fall through the gravel. Gravity is king. You can get a 1/16" silicone,semi-rigid cutting board and cut it down to create a retaining wall of sorts. Remove gravel in an area/corner and fill with sand. You kind saw the piece down through gravel while keeping 2 ends supported to keep it rigid if that makes sense? You want the bow towards gravel. You may have to cut a spacer to hold form while you fill in with sand. Once sand is in it will hold its shape.
 
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