Sand or gravel

[jmagregory]

I have a 55 gallon tank with very small Clown Loach, Glow tetras, Sword Tail and Molly.
Q Is sand more suitable than Gravel especially for the Loaches and if so is a HOB filter ok or will it get clogged up / damaged by the grains ?
Also will sand be cleaner than gravel ?

 

[CCXGT]

I have a 55 gallon tank with very small Clown Loach, Glow tetras, Sword Tail and Molly.
Q Is sand more suitable than Gravel especially for the Loaches and if so is a HOB filter ok or will it get clogged up / damaged by the grains ?
Also will sand be cleaner than gravel ?

Sand is the way to go.

Get a larger grain size (0.8-1.2mm) and avoid Play Sand.

It will definitely take longer to initially rinse compared to gravel.

Any bottom-feeder will appreciate smooth sand over sharp gravel.

It will not trap detritus as much as gravel.

It will 'look' dirtier than gravel.


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[Musicfreak]

I have sand in my tanks. I started out with gravel and switched it over about two years ago. I love the sand, it's true you can see more dirt on it than the gravel but I'm ok with that.

I have cory cats and they love the sand. One of the reasons I wanted sand was because I wanted those guys.

I've never had an issue with my filter and sand.

 

[sealife]

I prefer the look of sand. But its more maintenance and grains get trapped in filter and sometimes get sucked out with gravel vac.
So I just stick with gravel. Very easy to maintain and clean... just looks boring though.

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[CCXGT]

I prefer the look of sand. But its more maintenance and grains get trapped in filter and sometimes get sucked out with gravel vac.
So I just stick with gravel. Very easy to maintain and clean... just looks boring though.

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This is why you get a larger grain size.

None of that powder crap.


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