This may be a bigger problem with porous types of gravel, but using a UV-sterilizing filter may help prevent these algae outbreaks and other problems with waterborne parasites. There werent many commercial options for substrate in the 1980s, so its probably no surprise my 8-year-old self gravitated towards the bags of sparkling blue and green gravel. Tankarium is reader-supported.
Theres not many drawbacks to using gravel in your freshwater aquarium.
It is easier to maintain a gravel tank than an aquarium with sand. Manufacturers will offer aquarium sand with features designed around fish behaviors and tank environments. Its also important to avoid dust-free or anti-dust play sand, which can indicate that the sand has been treated with harmful chemicals and should not be added to an aquarium.
As with sand, there isnt a formal definition for aquarium gravel. A handy online calculator will be most useful to determine it.
It comes in a number of colors and has varying sizes of grainswhich could be a pro or con depending on your preferences. As always, be sure to understand the plants, fish, and/or snails you have in your tank prior to buying a specific sand type. The fine particle size and light weight could allow this sand to suspend itself in the water column for a longer period of time than similar products. Sand also prevents vital nutrients from being absorbed by your plants roots, since it restricts water from flowing through your substrate. Remember, you can always experiment with different substrates and sand until you find one that is suitable for your fish, your plants, and for you in terms of maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Aqua Terra Aquarium Sand will definitely enhance the look of your finned friends habitat.
The water you use can be tap water. Heres what you need to know about using play sand and other kinds of substrates for your aquarium. Use your hand to sift through the sand and then drain the water from the sand. This is desirable since they break down waste products and help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your tank.
If too much sand becomes suspended in the water it could clog the filters. Sand doesnt work with undergravel filters either. You will want to use sand that is designed to be used in a freshwater aquarium. This can be confusing when you are searching for an appropriate aquarium substrate. Research the plants you want to keep. Often, sand is a more appropriate size for plant roots. In most cases, pea-size gravel makes the better substrate for freshwater aquariums. At the same time, it's not so large that it creates gaps where fish food can fall beyond the reach of the fish and rot. There are five main kinds of sand that people prefer for aquariums. Almost all species that an owner will keep come from waters with a slower flow rate. Now that you know how to use sand in aquariums, your fish tank will have a renowned sense of beauty. After you add the sand to your tank, place a dish on top of the sand. However, sand provides a stronger hold on the plants so they can easily take root. This sand will offer great bedding that will not compact too firmly and offers a great color match for your betta fish in an aquarium. Resort to trial and error if necessarily. Aquarium sand is usually made from crushed quartz, coral, or minerals such as aragonite, or is manufactured artificially from a silica base. CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River Freshwater Sand, 5 Best Live Plants for Betta Fish Tanks (All Good Picks), 4 Best Aquarium Vacuum & Gravel Cleaners (for Any Tank), 5 Best Betta Fish Caves (& Hideouts) For Your Tank in 2022. The material you choose impacts your aquarium set-up and whether your community of fish, invertebrates, and/or plants thrives or struggles. There are really no limits to what you can do with a graveled freshwater aquarium. There is no formal way of categorizing sand other than by the size of the particles. You must clean the sand before using it in your tank. This creates dead zones in your tank; areas where all the oxygen has been depleted. You can create nearly any effect you want in your tank by choosing the right substrate. Weve rounded up our favorites. Place the sand in the tray when its still wet and bake for around 20 minutes at 200 F. Once all your sand has been baked, you should be free of the potentially harmful microorganisms that could infiltrate your tank and affect your fishs health. One thing to keep in mind when adding water to the aquarium is that your tank might look cloudy for a few days. What Is the Best Thing to Put in an Aquarium for Fish to Play on. Heres a video of how to use a vacuum on sand. Its important to remember that play sand needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you can use it. AQUANATURAL Oolitic Aragonite 10lb Aquarium Sand for Reef, Saltwater and Marine Tanks and Aquariums.
The gravel wont clog the filters or get sucked out when using a vacuum hose. Sand gives a natural touch to any aquarium.
Sand that is designed for aquarium use is inert so that it will not alter the water chemistry. Although play sand can be used for aquariums, you need to make sure that you know about its composition. Gravel can be nearly as fine as sand or appear as a collection of pebbles on the bottom of your tank. This substrate is not as rough on a fishs soft body parts, like the barbels found on Corydoras.
With gravel or sand, you will have to decide how much to get. Stick to products made especially for aquariums for the best results. For instance, because the grains of sand are so closely packed together, water cant flow through it as easily as it flows through substrates with larger particles. For instance, the play sand labeled silica-free can contain calcium carbonate, which is harmful to a freshwater tank. Hopefully, the advantages, disadvantages, and steps for using play sand mentioned here will make it easier for you to decide whether it is the right choice of sand for you. Like with all sand and substrate options, there are a few setbacks that you have to be prepared for when dealing with play sand. The presence of this bacteria helps boost the nitrogen cycle and converts toxic waste products into a safer form. For example, certain small cichlids and loaches love to burrow. Some materials will buffer the water, keeping the PH levels higher. You dont even need to buy it from a pet store because its also available at hardware stores. No matter what sand you choose, you're going to have to prepare it to be used in the aquarium. Natural sand is made up of small bits of shells, rocks, and/or organic materials with a diameter from 1/16 to 2mm. Its an ideal choice for community and planted tanks and lends itself to endless customization. The Verdict: This all-natural charcoal-colored sand is a great option for saltwater environments. What Should You Keep in Mind When Using Play Sand? Generally, gravel ranges from just above 2mm to inch in diameter, which is about the size of a dried pea. While you can buy gravel in bulk from construction supply companies, these types are not usually safe to use in aquariums. betta aquarium sand tank gravel june08 aquariummagazine fishlore spotlight member keywordpictures filter whisper decor plants Fish species that burrow or dig pits will prevent this and in a worst-case scenario, you can periodically agitate the substrate with your hand or a stick.
aquarium plants sand fish tank freshwater pure plant 25kg bag decorations moss marimo ball This premium-quality, all-natural substrate provides great living space for beneficial microbes and anchoring for plants.
Having adequate filtration and wide water circulation in your tank will help prevent these zones from developing. Measure out how much sand youll need for that depth across the entire bottom of your tank and place it in a bucket. Before adding the sand into the tank, make sure you let it cool off completely. Despite the many benefits of gravel, sand work very well in certain setups. How to Get Beneficial Bacteria in Fish Aquarium? This adds to the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium. Wait until the sand has mostly settled down before you switch the filter on, so you dont get any particles into the equipment. Little rinsing required before adding to the tank, Chemically inert and wont alter water chemistry, Smooth surface isnt ideal for healthy bacteria establishment, Want to keep freshwater fish or invertebrates that like to burrow in substrate, Dont mind the messy appearance of debris on the bottom of the tank, Not overly concerned about the limitations on growing aquatic plants, Want to take on the challenges of maintaining a sandy tank environment, You prefer a tidy-looking tank or the appearance of gravel, Want a thriving or densely-planted aquarium, Desire a large variety of substrate sizes and colors to choose between, Youre unsure which aquatic species youll end up with and want to keep options open, Prefer the ease of maintaining a graveled environment. You might want to use a strainer for this purpose. This product may settle and compact too tightly for fish that like to burrow or dig. Sand comes in a variety of shades and colors and may be extremely fine or nearly as coarse as gravel. This material is also extremely light, which may cause it to be moved around easily by currents generating from your filters. Sand can be harder to vacuum as the smaller particles will be picked up by the nozzle. With sand, there are features that could make it the right selection for you. This can be avoided by siphoning just above the bedding instead of the sand itself.
When you purchase through one of our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you). Nspeel from Myrtle Beach on August 23, 2011: Great article I use sand in all my aquarium very use for any beginner. Epoxy-coated rocks are a thing of the past! Its ideal for raising nearly all freshwater fish and most invertebrates.
The magic of live sand is in (yep) the live bacteria and microorganisms that live in it. Pea gravel is large enough that it allows water to flow through it, preventing anaerobic "dead zones" where harmful bacteria can thrive and produce toxic compounds. Sand works great as long as you have creatures in the tank that will burrow through it or otherwise stir the sand.
These slower-moving waters contain smaller particles such as mud, sand, and silt. This allows for the creation of anaerobic pockets, which can become the home for bacteria that isnt good for your fish or plant life. Many sand products are not safe to use in an aquarium or are particularly unsuitable for freshwater tanks. Artificial aquarium gravel may be coated in a brightly-colored dye or paint and sealed to prevent the color from chipping away. The main trade-off is these substrates also make it harder to eliminate toxic blue-green algae if you have an outbreak. 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website.
Gravel is typically made from rocks such as quartz or sandstone that have been crushed, smoothed and rounded into shape. If youre looking for the best live aquarium sands, keep reading. Sandy substrates may present challenges for cleaning and maintaining your tank. You can mix fertilized aquarium substrate with the play sand or even use fertilizer tablets to take care of this problem. It also aids the filtering process by increasing the surface area available for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. Flourite Black Sand, 15.4 Pound (Pack of 1). Each offers unique properties. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Here are the most common types of aquarium gravel and the benefits and drawbacks to each type: Gravel is popular with freshwater aquarists for a few reasons. However, if you have burrowing fish, loaches, or freshwater eels, they can dig through the sand and break apart any potential pockets. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store.
If youre still not sure which is the better option for your freshwater aquarium, then heres my advice: Jen has more than 30 years experience as a biologist, aquarist, and fishkeeper. Another drawback is that because play sand is made of such small grains, it can get sucked into your tanks filters and damage the machinery. No dyes or paints are used to produce the color of this sand. The grains are uniform in size and are more refined. For me, its the Super Naturals Moonlight.
Small particles of food and other materials that stand out against a sandy bottom may be indistinguishable when lying on the bottom of a graveled tank. Sand also prevents debris and waste products from sinking into your substrate.
Carib Sea ACS05820 Super Natural Moonlight Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound, FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, LANDEN Namale Aquarium Sand 4.4 lbs(1.7L), Super Natural for Aquarium Landscaping, Cosmetic Sand for Plant Tank, Fine Grain Natural Color River Sand for Freshwater or Blackwater Biotope Tank. Stoney River Black Aquatic Sand Freshwater and Marine Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag, Voulosimi 12 Pounds Coarse Silica Sand for Aquariums and Bonsai Tree Mix, Seachem Fluorite Black Sand Substrate, 7.7lb, Stoney River Blue Aquatic Sand Freshwater and Marine Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag, Estes Gravel Products AES06606 Este Marine Sand Black for Aquarium, 5-Pound, Carib Sea ACS00050 Aragonite Reef Sand for Aquarium, 40-Pound, 1 LB Gorgeous Aquarium Decoration - Aquarium Black Bottom Sand - Succulents Pavement, Petco Brand - Imagitarium Black Aquarium Sand, 20 LBS, Petco Brand - Imagitarium White Aquarium Sand, 20 LBS, GloFish Aquarium Sand 5 Pounds, Black with Highlights, Complements Tanks and Dcor, (AQ-78485), Caribsea Moonlight Sand for Freshwater Aquariums 20lb, African CICHILD Aragonite 10LB Sand for Aquarium, Stoney River White Aquatic Sand Freshwater and Marine Aquariums, 5-Pound Bag, Caribsea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand, 20-Pound, Crystal River, Caribsea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand, 20-Pound, Sunset Gold, AquaNatural Diamond Black 10lb, Premium Gravel and Substrate for Aquariums, Fish Tanks and terrariums, 2-4mm, AQQA Wave Maker Pump, 530GPH Aquarium Circulation Pump 360 Degree Rotatable Submersible Powerhead Pump with Magnet Suction Base for Marine and Freshwater Aquariums3W), AquaNatural Sugar White Sand 10lb Substrate for aquascaping, Aquariums, vivariums and terrariums, AquaNatural Oolitic Aragonite 20lb Aquarium Sand for Reef, Saltwater and Marine Tanks and Aquariums, RA AquaTech Underwater Sand Waterfall Aquarium Decoration Large (Sand Waterfall), Estes' Gravel Products AES06606 Marine Sand Black for Aquarium, 5-Pound (Two Pack), Nature's Ocean Aqua Terra Black Sand 5 lb Bag, Natural Aquarium Sand, Fluval Betta Sand, Decorative Aquarium Gravel, Black, 1 lb Gorgeous Aquarium Decoration - Aquarium White Sand Stone - Succulents Pavement, Alan Stone Glow in The Dark Home and Garden Fish Tank Aquarium Decorative Sand Gravel Rock (3-5mm, Aqua), Carib Sea ACS05840 Super Naturals Crystal River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound, NSC Aquarium Sand | Craft Sand | Natural Fine Sand | Decorative Sand | Perfect for Interior Decor Vase Filler Aquarium, 1 lbs, Estes' Aquatic Sand Java Beach 5LB, Black, Carib Sea ACS05832 Super Natural Peace River Sand for Aquarium, 5-Pound, FairmountSantrol AquaQuartz-50 Pool Filter 20-Grade Silica Sand 50 Pounds, White, Clifford W Estes Products Sand, Marine Blue, 5 lb, Seachem Flourite Black Clay Gravel - Stable Porous Natural Planted Aquarium Substrate 15.4 lbs, Carib Sea Eco-Complete African Cichlid Substrate, 20-Pound, Live Sand for Aquarium, Voulosimi 4 Pounds Coarse Silica Sand for Aquariums and Bonsai Tree Mix. Super Naturals sand is designed to simulate a more natural color. The material is pH neutral and works in all tank environments. You can set your filter intakes quite low because the gravel is too heavy to get sucked into the filter. In contrast, gravel may permit the algae to grow throughout your substrate, where it can be challenging to treat. Youll have a wider array of filtering options when you go with a gravel substrate since you can use either undergravel or hanging/canister filters with your tank. Pea gravel comes in a wide variety of colors. This helps you lay the sand out more easily.
Many aquatic plants have shallow roots and dont thrive when planted in the sand. The Verdict: The company has an agreement with the Bahamian government to harvest sand, which ensures its sustainability and quality. A good guideline for most tanks is to purchase 1.5 pounds of substrate per gallon. Zach's writing ranges from matters of gardening, cooking, aquariums, and fish to more niche topics like coin collecting. The small diameter of the sand grains prevents water from flowing through your substrate.
There are quite a few advantages to using play sand. CaribSea Super Naturals Moonlight Sand, 3. The substrate can be designed to be more gentle on fish that carry or move sand with their mouth. These materials will move around the bottom and collect in pockets that can be vacuumed easily. voted up very useful. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
In the absence of burrowing fish, sand can lead to anaerobic dead zones. The minimum recommended depth of sand you will want in your aquarium is one inch. Fill a bucket half full of sand and then add water until it is almost full.
Graveled aquariums encourage colonies of bacteria and other ammonia-eating microorganisms to flourish throughout your substrate.
Even if you dont opt for a plant-specific medium, its easier to maintain a planted gravel tank over a sandy-bottomed one. Even if you arent using play sand that came from a childrens sandbox and is filled with unknown materials, a sealed bag of play sand needs to be cleaned too. Super Naturals is safe for all aquarium systems.
This also prevents the creation of anaerobic pockets, which we discuss below.
To do this, you need to bake the sand in batches on a baking tray. The Verdict: This pretty pink sand is a breeze to work with compared to many other options. You can mitigate these problems by using a product specifically designed for planted tanks. If you have plants with deeper roots, youll want to make a bottom layer thats more than 3 inches. Sand is a desirable substrate in tanks that house freshwater invertebrates, cichlids, or burrowing fish like Kuhli loaches. Prevents debris from sinking into the substrate, Ideal for delicate fish like shrimp and loaches, Works with all types of filtration systems, Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, Freshwater Aquarium Sharks: Types & Care Guide, Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care, Pure Water Pebbles Bio Activ Live African Cichlid Sand, CaribSea Eco Complete Planted Black Aquarium Sand, Natures Ocean Aquarium Gravel Blackberry Glo, bacteria and other ammonia-eating microorganisms, No rinsing required before adding to your tank, Typically more expensive than other options, May not be suitable for freshwater community tanks, but some products work well for African cichlids and other aquatic species who prefer high water pH, Comes in a wide variety of natural shades to match your tanks decor, Most products are safe for use in freshwater aquariums and will not alter water chemistry, Not specifically designed for aquariums and may cloud the water or clog filters even when rinsed, Provides plants with the nutrients they need to thrive, Porous clay particles allow water to flow through and healthy bacteria to flourish in your substrate, Chemically inert and will not alter water chemistry, Economical and easy to purchase in large quantities, Heavier than play sand and less likely to cloud aquarium water and clog filters, Usually coated to prevent the color from flaking off, Lighter than pool sand and may clog filtration systems, May contain nutrients to help planted tanks thrive, Wide variety of natural colors and textures available, Allows water to flow through the substrate, preventing dead zones, Chemically inert and will not alter water quality, Permits healthy bacteria to become established throughout your substrate, Provides aquatic plants with the nutrients they need to thrive, Allows water to circulate through and healthy bacteria to flourish in the substrate, preventing dead zones, Clay is chemically stable and will not alter water chemistry, Often very dusty and requires a lot of rinsing before adding to the tank, Porous surface may permit blue-green algae outbreaks.
The two most popular forms of substrate used in aquariums are gravel and sand.
What are the differences between sand and gravel aquariums, and how do you decide which is the best substrate for your tank?
However, this guideline is inaccurate for tall or unusually shaped aquariums.
Theres not many drawbacks to using gravel in your freshwater aquarium.
It is easier to maintain a gravel tank than an aquarium with sand. Manufacturers will offer aquarium sand with features designed around fish behaviors and tank environments. Its also important to avoid dust-free or anti-dust play sand, which can indicate that the sand has been treated with harmful chemicals and should not be added to an aquarium.
As with sand, there isnt a formal definition for aquarium gravel. A handy online calculator will be most useful to determine it.
It comes in a number of colors and has varying sizes of grainswhich could be a pro or con depending on your preferences. As always, be sure to understand the plants, fish, and/or snails you have in your tank prior to buying a specific sand type. The fine particle size and light weight could allow this sand to suspend itself in the water column for a longer period of time than similar products. Sand also prevents vital nutrients from being absorbed by your plants roots, since it restricts water from flowing through your substrate. Remember, you can always experiment with different substrates and sand until you find one that is suitable for your fish, your plants, and for you in terms of maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Aqua Terra Aquarium Sand will definitely enhance the look of your finned friends habitat.
The water you use can be tap water. Heres what you need to know about using play sand and other kinds of substrates for your aquarium. Use your hand to sift through the sand and then drain the water from the sand. This is desirable since they break down waste products and help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your tank. If too much sand becomes suspended in the water it could clog the filters. Sand doesnt work with undergravel filters either. You will want to use sand that is designed to be used in a freshwater aquarium. This can be confusing when you are searching for an appropriate aquarium substrate. Research the plants you want to keep. Often, sand is a more appropriate size for plant roots. In most cases, pea-size gravel makes the better substrate for freshwater aquariums. At the same time, it's not so large that it creates gaps where fish food can fall beyond the reach of the fish and rot. There are five main kinds of sand that people prefer for aquariums. Almost all species that an owner will keep come from waters with a slower flow rate. Now that you know how to use sand in aquariums, your fish tank will have a renowned sense of beauty. After you add the sand to your tank, place a dish on top of the sand. However, sand provides a stronger hold on the plants so they can easily take root. This sand will offer great bedding that will not compact too firmly and offers a great color match for your betta fish in an aquarium. Resort to trial and error if necessarily. Aquarium sand is usually made from crushed quartz, coral, or minerals such as aragonite, or is manufactured artificially from a silica base. CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River Freshwater Sand, 5 Best Live Plants for Betta Fish Tanks (All Good Picks), 4 Best Aquarium Vacuum & Gravel Cleaners (for Any Tank), 5 Best Betta Fish Caves (& Hideouts) For Your Tank in 2022. The material you choose impacts your aquarium set-up and whether your community of fish, invertebrates, and/or plants thrives or struggles. There are really no limits to what you can do with a graveled freshwater aquarium. There is no formal way of categorizing sand other than by the size of the particles. You must clean the sand before using it in your tank. This creates dead zones in your tank; areas where all the oxygen has been depleted. You can create nearly any effect you want in your tank by choosing the right substrate. Weve rounded up our favorites. Place the sand in the tray when its still wet and bake for around 20 minutes at 200 F. Once all your sand has been baked, you should be free of the potentially harmful microorganisms that could infiltrate your tank and affect your fishs health. One thing to keep in mind when adding water to the aquarium is that your tank might look cloudy for a few days. What Is the Best Thing to Put in an Aquarium for Fish to Play on. Heres a video of how to use a vacuum on sand. Its important to remember that play sand needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you can use it. AQUANATURAL Oolitic Aragonite 10lb Aquarium Sand for Reef, Saltwater and Marine Tanks and Aquariums.
The gravel wont clog the filters or get sucked out when using a vacuum hose. Sand gives a natural touch to any aquarium.
Sand that is designed for aquarium use is inert so that it will not alter the water chemistry. Although play sand can be used for aquariums, you need to make sure that you know about its composition. Gravel can be nearly as fine as sand or appear as a collection of pebbles on the bottom of your tank. This substrate is not as rough on a fishs soft body parts, like the barbels found on Corydoras.
With gravel or sand, you will have to decide how much to get. Stick to products made especially for aquariums for the best results. For instance, because the grains of sand are so closely packed together, water cant flow through it as easily as it flows through substrates with larger particles. For instance, the play sand labeled silica-free can contain calcium carbonate, which is harmful to a freshwater tank. Hopefully, the advantages, disadvantages, and steps for using play sand mentioned here will make it easier for you to decide whether it is the right choice of sand for you. Like with all sand and substrate options, there are a few setbacks that you have to be prepared for when dealing with play sand. The presence of this bacteria helps boost the nitrogen cycle and converts toxic waste products into a safer form. For example, certain small cichlids and loaches love to burrow. Some materials will buffer the water, keeping the PH levels higher. You dont even need to buy it from a pet store because its also available at hardware stores. No matter what sand you choose, you're going to have to prepare it to be used in the aquarium. Natural sand is made up of small bits of shells, rocks, and/or organic materials with a diameter from 1/16 to 2mm. Its an ideal choice for community and planted tanks and lends itself to endless customization. The Verdict: This all-natural charcoal-colored sand is a great option for saltwater environments. What Should You Keep in Mind When Using Play Sand? Generally, gravel ranges from just above 2mm to inch in diameter, which is about the size of a dried pea. While you can buy gravel in bulk from construction supply companies, these types are not usually safe to use in aquariums. betta aquarium sand tank gravel june08 aquariummagazine fishlore spotlight member keywordpictures filter whisper decor plants Fish species that burrow or dig pits will prevent this and in a worst-case scenario, you can periodically agitate the substrate with your hand or a stick.
aquarium plants sand fish tank freshwater pure plant 25kg bag decorations moss marimo ball This premium-quality, all-natural substrate provides great living space for beneficial microbes and anchoring for plants. 
Having adequate filtration and wide water circulation in your tank will help prevent these zones from developing. Measure out how much sand youll need for that depth across the entire bottom of your tank and place it in a bucket. Before adding the sand into the tank, make sure you let it cool off completely. Despite the many benefits of gravel, sand work very well in certain setups. How to Get Beneficial Bacteria in Fish Aquarium? This adds to the aesthetic appeal of your aquarium. Wait until the sand has mostly settled down before you switch the filter on, so you dont get any particles into the equipment. Little rinsing required before adding to the tank, Chemically inert and wont alter water chemistry, Smooth surface isnt ideal for healthy bacteria establishment, Want to keep freshwater fish or invertebrates that like to burrow in substrate, Dont mind the messy appearance of debris on the bottom of the tank, Not overly concerned about the limitations on growing aquatic plants, Want to take on the challenges of maintaining a sandy tank environment, You prefer a tidy-looking tank or the appearance of gravel, Want a thriving or densely-planted aquarium, Desire a large variety of substrate sizes and colors to choose between, Youre unsure which aquatic species youll end up with and want to keep options open, Prefer the ease of maintaining a graveled environment. You might want to use a strainer for this purpose. This product may settle and compact too tightly for fish that like to burrow or dig. Sand comes in a variety of shades and colors and may be extremely fine or nearly as coarse as gravel. This material is also extremely light, which may cause it to be moved around easily by currents generating from your filters. Sand can be harder to vacuum as the smaller particles will be picked up by the nozzle. With sand, there are features that could make it the right selection for you. This can be avoided by siphoning just above the bedding instead of the sand itself.
When you purchase through one of our links we may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to you). Nspeel from Myrtle Beach on August 23, 2011: Great article I use sand in all my aquarium very use for any beginner. Epoxy-coated rocks are a thing of the past! Its ideal for raising nearly all freshwater fish and most invertebrates.
The magic of live sand is in (yep) the live bacteria and microorganisms that live in it. Pea gravel is large enough that it allows water to flow through it, preventing anaerobic "dead zones" where harmful bacteria can thrive and produce toxic compounds. Sand works great as long as you have creatures in the tank that will burrow through it or otherwise stir the sand.
These slower-moving waters contain smaller particles such as mud, sand, and silt. This allows for the creation of anaerobic pockets, which can become the home for bacteria that isnt good for your fish or plant life. Many sand products are not safe to use in an aquarium or are particularly unsuitable for freshwater tanks. Artificial aquarium gravel may be coated in a brightly-colored dye or paint and sealed to prevent the color from chipping away. The main trade-off is these substrates also make it harder to eliminate toxic blue-green algae if you have an outbreak. 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website.
Gravel is typically made from rocks such as quartz or sandstone that have been crushed, smoothed and rounded into shape. If youre looking for the best live aquarium sands, keep reading. Sandy substrates may present challenges for cleaning and maintaining your tank. You can mix fertilized aquarium substrate with the play sand or even use fertilizer tablets to take care of this problem. It also aids the filtering process by increasing the surface area available for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. Flourite Black Sand, 15.4 Pound (Pack of 1). Each offers unique properties. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Here are the most common types of aquarium gravel and the benefits and drawbacks to each type: Gravel is popular with freshwater aquarists for a few reasons. However, if you have burrowing fish, loaches, or freshwater eels, they can dig through the sand and break apart any potential pockets. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store.
If youre still not sure which is the better option for your freshwater aquarium, then heres my advice: Jen has more than 30 years experience as a biologist, aquarist, and fishkeeper. Another drawback is that because play sand is made of such small grains, it can get sucked into your tanks filters and damage the machinery. No dyes or paints are used to produce the color of this sand. The grains are uniform in size and are more refined. For me, its the Super Naturals Moonlight.
Small particles of food and other materials that stand out against a sandy bottom may be indistinguishable when lying on the bottom of a graveled tank. Sand also prevents debris and waste products from sinking into your substrate.
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Many aquatic plants have shallow roots and dont thrive when planted in the sand. The Verdict: The company has an agreement with the Bahamian government to harvest sand, which ensures its sustainability and quality. A good guideline for most tanks is to purchase 1.5 pounds of substrate per gallon. Zach's writing ranges from matters of gardening, cooking, aquariums, and fish to more niche topics like coin collecting. The small diameter of the sand grains prevents water from flowing through your substrate.
There are quite a few advantages to using play sand. CaribSea Super Naturals Moonlight Sand, 3. The substrate can be designed to be more gentle on fish that carry or move sand with their mouth. These materials will move around the bottom and collect in pockets that can be vacuumed easily. voted up very useful. Tankarium is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
In the absence of burrowing fish, sand can lead to anaerobic dead zones. The minimum recommended depth of sand you will want in your aquarium is one inch. Fill a bucket half full of sand and then add water until it is almost full.
Graveled aquariums encourage colonies of bacteria and other ammonia-eating microorganisms to flourish throughout your substrate.
Even if you dont opt for a plant-specific medium, its easier to maintain a planted gravel tank over a sandy-bottomed one. Even if you arent using play sand that came from a childrens sandbox and is filled with unknown materials, a sealed bag of play sand needs to be cleaned too. Super Naturals is safe for all aquarium systems.
This also prevents the creation of anaerobic pockets, which we discuss below.
To do this, you need to bake the sand in batches on a baking tray. The Verdict: This pretty pink sand is a breeze to work with compared to many other options. You can mitigate these problems by using a product specifically designed for planted tanks. If you have plants with deeper roots, youll want to make a bottom layer thats more than 3 inches. Sand is a desirable substrate in tanks that house freshwater invertebrates, cichlids, or burrowing fish like Kuhli loaches. Prevents debris from sinking into the substrate, Ideal for delicate fish like shrimp and loaches, Works with all types of filtration systems, Betta Fish Tank Ideas Unique, Cute And Cool Designs, Best Places To Buy Goldfish For Sale Online, Freshwater Aquarium Sharks: Types & Care Guide, Best Substrate For Planted Tank The Key To Awesome Aquascape, Best Low And Medium Light Aquarium Plants, Dwarf Hairgrass: Planting, Carpeting, And Care, Pure Water Pebbles Bio Activ Live African Cichlid Sand, CaribSea Eco Complete Planted Black Aquarium Sand, Natures Ocean Aquarium Gravel Blackberry Glo, bacteria and other ammonia-eating microorganisms, No rinsing required before adding to your tank, Typically more expensive than other options, May not be suitable for freshwater community tanks, but some products work well for African cichlids and other aquatic species who prefer high water pH, Comes in a wide variety of natural shades to match your tanks decor, Most products are safe for use in freshwater aquariums and will not alter water chemistry, Not specifically designed for aquariums and may cloud the water or clog filters even when rinsed, Provides plants with the nutrients they need to thrive, Porous clay particles allow water to flow through and healthy bacteria to flourish in your substrate, Chemically inert and will not alter water chemistry, Economical and easy to purchase in large quantities, Heavier than play sand and less likely to cloud aquarium water and clog filters, Usually coated to prevent the color from flaking off, Lighter than pool sand and may clog filtration systems, May contain nutrients to help planted tanks thrive, Wide variety of natural colors and textures available, Allows water to flow through the substrate, preventing dead zones, Chemically inert and will not alter water quality, Permits healthy bacteria to become established throughout your substrate, Provides aquatic plants with the nutrients they need to thrive, Allows water to circulate through and healthy bacteria to flourish in the substrate, preventing dead zones, Clay is chemically stable and will not alter water chemistry, Often very dusty and requires a lot of rinsing before adding to the tank, Porous surface may permit blue-green algae outbreaks.
The two most popular forms of substrate used in aquariums are gravel and sand.
What are the differences between sand and gravel aquariums, and how do you decide which is the best substrate for your tank?
However, this guideline is inaccurate for tall or unusually shaped aquariums.