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Sand Substrate for Bass/Sunfish


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#1 Guest_Speckled93_*

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Posted 27 December 2013 - 12:49 AM

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on having sand as a substrate for a tank that houses a Largemouth Bass, a Bluegill, and a Pumpkinseed. Right now their substrate is gravel, but I am moving them into a larger tank and would like to go for a more natural look. The lake that I caught them out of is man-made and the bottom is mostly sandy clay and mud.

#2 Guest_centrarchid_*

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Posted 27 December 2013 - 11:05 AM

Should cause no problems other than possibly concern about biological filtration provided by sand matrix. Increased water flow may be needed to allow adequate infiltration needed to support aerobic conditions in enough of the sand. When pushing system hard with lots of feed typically offered to bass you can often see a transition from aerobic to anaerobic conditions. Coloration will differ in the transition / hypoxic zone.

#3 Guest_gerald_*

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Posted 27 December 2013 - 12:02 PM

On the other hand, less food and poop will fall down between the sand particles than in gravel. Most of my tanks have rooted plants so anaerobic substrate isn't usually a problem, but in tanks without rooted plants I usually find that gravel is actually more of a problem than sand in terms of waste accumulation and gases from anaerobic decomposition. With sand, the gunk lays on top where it's easy to siphon off. Disclaimer: my experience is mainly with small fish, 2 to 4", not big sunfish and bass.

#4 Guest_Skipjack_*

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Posted 27 December 2013 - 02:31 PM

I agree Gerald. Gravel is the worst substrate IMO. I personally like bare bottom tanks best unless they are show tanks. A bare bottom tank packed with hornwort has always been my favorite.

That being said, I like sand quite a bit as well, the only problem I can envision is that if the sunfish decided to dig a nest next to a filter intake, the stirred up sand may be a bit rough on the filter impeller. Probably take a long time to become a problem. Thoroughly washing the sand would also be a good idea, so that a nesting sunfish would not stir up small particles, and cloud the water.

#5 Guest_Speckled93_*

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Posted 27 December 2013 - 10:49 PM

Thanks for the input, guys!




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