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Sand vs. Gravel

44K views 29 replies 11 participants last post by  Little-Fizz 
#1 ·
Does it matter if I start my freshwater fish tank with sand instead of gravel? I know most use gravel, but I think sand looks more natural. Has anyone done this? I know you need to wash gravel before you put it in a tank, but do you need to wash sand? I guess I could do it by mixing it with water and then using a very fine strainer to get rid of the water... Has anyone else put sand in their freshwater fish tank?
 
#2 ·
I have only seen sand in saltwater tanks. I can't see why you couldn't use sand in a freshwater tank, though. Just be careful because a lot of the aquarium sand pet stores sell is treated with bacteria meant for saltwater tanks. I'm not sure how it would affect a freshwater setup.
 
#9 ·
Sometimes you have to worry about the roughness or size if you have specific bottom dwellers or feeders. For example rays need sand or they scratch themselves when burying. Otherwise i always use gravel becasue fish waste and stuff doesn't sit on top of it like it does with sand. A small sized gravel in a natural brown or tan color usually does the job.

Brie
 
#10 ·
Hi Libby, by "rays" do you mean sting rays? Are there freshwater sting rays?

CuteLilPleco said:
Sometimes you have to worry about the roughness or size if you have specific bottom dwellers or feeders. For example rays need sand or they scratch themselves when burying. Otherwise i always use gravel becasue fish waste and stuff doesn't sit on top of it like it does with sand. A small sized gravel in a natural brown or tan color usually does the job.

Libby
 
#12 ·
A lot can be said on the pros and cons between these two.
There's not much disadvantages with gravel.
For sand, one thing that can be a pain is that when they become compact, they create anaerobic spots. This alone produces much toxic gases thus killing the fish. You need to stir sand frequently to prevent compaction.

Brie is right about choosing substrate. If the gravel is sharp, then obviously your bottom dwelling fishes won't like it as their barbels get injured. Cories are the most vulnerable to this.

By the way, Brie,I have seen some freshwater stingrays in my two lfs but size is the problem. Even if I have to get another tank, this fish will still outgrow the tank.:roll: They are very rare and a few people can afford them.
 
#14 ·
The only problem I've seen people run into is when the fish borrow or play in the sand they kick some up and it gets sucked into the filter which in turn can damage the impeller
 
#16 ·
I've seen freshwater stingrays in the us, they are saltwater rays that have been caught up stream and have adapted to freshwater.
 
#18 ·
It's rare to find them for sale but I have seen them maybe twice.
 
#20 ·
2 weeks ago I saw 2 that ran about 100-150 dollers a piece.
 
#22 ·
If it was the only fish you have, I nknew people who's octopus ate there smaller fish's. I buy most of my stuff of of that sight.
 
#24 ·
I shipping cost is about average from everysite that I've been to. I bought 2 red lyratail females, and they shipped wonderful being that it was a holiday weekend to.
 
#26 ·
But you factor in shipping cost and it's cheaper at your lfs. When I bought my fish they were on sale my lfs's couldn't get them and it cost the same price no matter were I got them. It's good if you order a lot of things. Because it is cheaper for fish online.
 
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