can i use sand in my fishtank owning nothing but snails will it hurt my snails?

Question

i have a 55 gallon tank is sand a wise choice for a freshwater tank with snails

Answer 1

Sand will not hurt the snails, but it's not a good choice of substrate. In a freshwater system, it's necessary to clean decaying organic debris from the bottom of your tank. Sand creates a challenge for vacuuming as its easily sucked out of the tank when vacuuming. Your freshwater tank will need a place for your beneficial bacteria to live in. In many systems, this bacteria lives in the substrate. Sand is not the best medium for beneficial bacteria growth. If you are planning upon establishing your good bacteria in your filter, then you can get by with sand. Sand will be much more difficult to keep clean so I wouldn't recommend it.

Answer 2

No, sand won't hurt your snails. You can use sand as a substrate in a freshwater tank as long as it it thoroughly cleaned, and most importantly NOT VERY THICK!!! An inch or one-and-a-half inch is as far as I go. Fine sand thicker that this will compact after some time causing anaerobic decomposition.... the sand turning black, caking...sand cementing together, and all sorts of other problems.

Answer 3

Sand will certainly not harm the snails, and depending on the species, sand may be the best choice. Burrowing snails like Malaysian Trumpet Snails are great at aerating sand and cleaning it up. Just be sure to was the sand VERY thoroughly before adding it to the tank... Email me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

EDIT: To clean it, you simply take off the siphon attachment, and just use the hose... hover it above the sand, and it will leave the sand there while removing any waste.

Answer 4

It shouldnt' because snails living in the wild have lake bottoms with sand also.

Answer 5

You can use sand but first I would wash it completly to get all the dirt out of it.