sands vs gravel

[Ticman]

hope this is the correct place to post this question

be interested in hearing members thoughts on sand bottom vs gravel bottom and why they prefer the particular substrate.

thanks,

Mike

 

[aspen]

dwarf cichlid babies tend to fall down through gravel, i like to use gravel mixed with sand.

rick

 

[_BaDgUy_]

I keep mine with sand.

They love to build mounds of sand in front of their caves during spawning.
Easier to move sand than gravel.

Looks a bit more natural.

 

[P.W.]

I have switched from gravel to sand in my 15 tanks. I have used the sand from a beach nearby.
The plants are doing fine (especially the vallisneria and limnophila) and the apistos loves it!

Best regards/ Per

 

[apistodave]

All of the above ---if you live in the Pacific Northwest play sand from the Roseland gravel co. is perfect --it's really dark too.

 

[tjudy]

I use fine gravel (size 30 or 40). I like it better than sand because it is easier to clean. I use very little, however, rarely more than 1/2 inch on the bottom. I use planted driftwood (anubias and bolbitus) rather than gravel-rooting plants in most of my tanks. I have never had a problem with losing fry in the gravel I use.

 

[Ticman]

thanks all for your comments.

Now--what is the easiest and least stressful way to convert a tank from gravel to sand? I have a 54 corner bowed tank with about 25 fish. Some large some small. I use a filstar canister and an emperor 280.

Again thanks

Mike

 

[aspen]

1. put the fish into buckets.
2. remove the gravel
3. put the sand in.
4. put the fish back

you can play around with 1/4 or 1/2 at a time, i've done it and the most direct way is best.

rick

 

[jase101]

if you plan on changing half the gravel with water and fish still in the tank, expect a huge ammonia swing after you stir up all the gravel (unavoidable in a move). the anaerobic bacteria in it will die and cause a huge ammonia spike. i think it's best to do a full change all at once - means you can do a spring-clean while yr at it.

justin

 

[trouble32]

changing over

Would i need a different filer or rather a special filter rather than the typical hand on filters?

 

[LyreTail]

I have been using Carib Sea "supernaturals" micro gravels mixed with Seachems red Flourite - all my dwarf Cichlids - Pulcher Kribs. Moliwe Kribs and various pair of Apistos, love it because they can still dig out caves and pile it outside the spawning pots. My plants love it because it has iron and does not compact, and I like it because if I need to I can run a gravel vacuum through it if I feel the need.

 

[trouble32]

OK good advice,

Now where do you order it from?I live in the sticks lol.and probably would have to order it.

 

[LyreTail]

http://www.carib-sea.com/catpage7.htm

The pictures are actual size.

I am sure you can search the product names like caribsea "peace river gravel" or Ramblin rose" gravel on google or dogpile and come up with an online source

 

[trouble32]

Great looking

Wow the gravels and sand is great looking,will take advise and look it up thanks for info,,Libby