can anyone tell me is sand any good for a tropical aquarium? ive heard that its really bad and hard to keep?

Answer 1

The aragonite substrate is the aquarium sand in general word and will assist in maintaining alkalinity and pH levels in mostly marine aquariums, as well as create a breeding ground for beneficial micro-organisms that will assist in the breakdown and processing of wastes in the aquarium.

Sand is the collective term used for (mostly) marine aquarium sands that are containing live bacteria and micro-organisms. Live sand beds of 4 or greater will enhance nitrate reduction in the aquarium, harboring anaerobic bacteria in the low-oxygen layers of sand. These bacteria live without oxygen, and will consume nitrate as a food source, further purifying the water in a reef aquarium.

Generally live sand is used in reef aquarium, normal aragonite or crushed coral is fine for fish aquariums. The substrate in a fish aquarium can be vacuumed out regularly during the monthly partial water change to remove debris from the bottom of the aquarium.

Answer 2

Sand is more commonly used now than in the past - we've modernized beyond an undergravel filter, which is the primary reason sand wasn't used in the past. Many fish, including burrowers, are more at home in a sand bed, and if you use coarse grained sand, plants root better in a moderatley deep sand bed.

People used to worry that with a sand bed toxic gasses from anaerobic bacteria would build up in the sand. This has been shown not to be the case - you'd need a bed almost as deep as the tank in order for anaerobic areas to form. Your fish will help keep the layers of sand stirred up. And extra food and fish poo will settle on top of the sand where it's easier to remove, rather than settle between pieces of gravel.

I would NOT recommend aragonite sand for a tropical tank, however! Aragonite is calcium carbonate - the same material as coral and sea shells and as it slowly dissolves, it will change the pH of your tank. Aragonite should only be used for cichlids, marine fish, or others requiring a higher pH. As you do water changes, you'll be taking out higher pH water and replacing it with tap water which would cause the pH in the tank to fluctuate - this would stress your fish!

The main difference in using sand and gravel is the method used for cleaning. I'll provide a link for you to read about this.

Answer 3

I use natural coloured, fairly coarse pool filter sand and flourite (kinda like potting soil for aquariums) in most of my aquariums, mostly for my plants....and while it can be a little more work to take care of, I find it looks more natural, which is the look I want in my tanks.

I wash the sand several times before using it to remove most of the cloud-causing fine particles, so there is little to no clouding at all when I use the gravel vacuum (nor does the vacuum suck up most of the sand)

If you like the look and are prepared to do the work, go for it!

Answer 4

It really depends on your fish and your tank, if you plan on having large fish like cichlids its best to go with gravel, because sand is extremely difficult to vaccum and you will just suck it all right out. On the other hand if you plan on having many live plants in your tank with small tetras then sand is a good idea, it looks nice, its good for hiding plant roots, and it adds brightness to your tank. If you must know, sand is not bad but yes it has hard to take care off, when fish poop on it the poop shows and you must remove it with a net because you dont want it to stain your sand.

Answer 5

sand may have salt, and I have been told that it can cause irratation, it will also block the filter plate (if you use that type) It would get sucked up the hose while you were cleaning as it is no heavier than the gunk you want to remove. It will also cloud the water whenever the fish move fast. Some of these problems will be lessened if you use coarse sand.

Answer 6

You can have sand if you want but don't put more than 1" of sand in the tank. To much will cause bad bacteria to grow. Rooted plants don't do well in plain sand. Stem plants will be fine.

Answer 7

Just put in gravel,Sand gets into everything and you wont like the trouble it will give you trying to clean up the tank!

Answer 8

hello


its no harder to clean then gravel if you have the right cleaning device....you know the crap succer upper thing
you stick in there it works just as well on sand as gravel you just may have to replenish the sand more ofter since it will be sucked up easier.....



M...