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Thinking about modifying substrate

Started by Guest_lozgod_* , Oct 09 2009 10:09 PM

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3 replies to this topic

#1 Guest_lozgod_*

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Posted 09 October 2009 - 10:09 PM

Thinking about adding sand as the top layer. Not pulling the gravel but putting a layer over the gravel. To the right of the tank I did it. You should be able to see through the cloudiness. Actually the tank didn't get cloudier when I did it. I rinsed the sand. Saturated it in a bowl. Poured it out of the bowl under water and leveled it with my hand and didn't stir up a mess. I was impressed. Sand is to the right under the power head.

So general opinion is deep substrate and deadly gasses is a non issue. Any other cons about adding sand on the gravel?

tank.jpeg 74.4KB 1 downloads

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#2 Guest_schambers_*

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Posted 10 October 2009 - 12:48 PM

Since the sand has a smaller grain size, it will gradually migrate under the gravel. I just wish I knew how long it would take to do it!

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#3 Guest_gzeiger_*

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Posted 10 October 2009 - 07:06 PM

Sand starts to look dirty a lot faster, as mulm just accumulates on top rather than hiding in crevices until you vacuum it out. Also it tends to come up in the gravel vacuum. It can also grow an algae film sometimes that would be much less visible on gravel. If you can live with those things, it's great for keeping fish that like to dig, growing plants and actually for keeping the tank clean since with all the junk sitting on top you can see it and track it down with the siphon.

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#4 Guest_lozgod_*

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Posted 10 October 2009 - 10:15 PM

Sand starts to look dirty a lot faster, as mulm just accumulates on top rather than hiding in crevices until you vacuum it out. Also it tends to come up in the gravel vacuum. It can also grow an algae film sometimes that would be much less visible on gravel. If you can live with those things, it's great for keeping fish that like to dig, growing plants and actually for keeping the tank clean since with all the junk sitting on top you can see it and track it down with the siphon.

It is done. Posting pics in my Show and Tell thread. The problem I was having was soil kept seeping through the gravel and clouding up my water. NP suggested it may be a bacteria bloom but I am convinced it was soil. My filter sponges were saturated with it. Hoping deep sand over the soil kills the problem.

tankk.jpeg 78.83KB 0 downloads

Edited by lozgod, 10 October 2009 - 10:16 PM.