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So i have decided to start off another tank...........
for the first time ive decided to try out a sand bottom because i want a really natural looking tank with sand and plants and natural rocks...
being still a newbie to this hobby, i need some tips about sand bottoms.....some questions i have thought of so far are :

- How much sand should i use ?
- Can i use beach sand ? or should i buy it from the lfs
- Do plants grow roots better in sand ?
- How do i clean the sand ? siphon ?

ok i think thats all my questions........

thanks

Sand has it's own special needs and cares.
You can use playsand from any hardware, DIY store, many chain stores like wlmrt also carry it. I would NOT use beach sand as not only does it run the risk of polution but it also is likely to contain alot of crushed shells which will raise your PH.

Rinse rinse rinse it before adding it to the tank, and let it settle before starting the filters up. Sand will compact over time so make sure you find a way to turn over the sand (either by hand, or with Malaysian Trumpet Snails).

Many plants cannot handle the sand compacting their roots....there are some that do grow well in it, but if you want a specific plant, be sure it will grow in the sand before picking your substrate...you may want to go with a more plant friendly one.

Cleaning sand is fairly easy. You just use a gravel vac to hover over the surface of the substrate and pick up the poo. I've found adding a powerhead also helps keep the waste from collecting too much on the surface.
HTH a bit .

^_^



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1. How much sand should i use ?
2. Can i use beach sand ? or should i buy it from the lfs
3. Do plants grow roots better in sand ?
4. How do i clean the sand ? siphon ?

1. It is suggested you don't use too much sand, probably only an inch or less, but I use more ( - I'm bad hehe - I have about 2inches or so)
2. I wouldn't use beach sand, either buy it from the lfs, or from your local (or large hardware store like Homedepot)
3. Yes and no, Some plants *can* take better root in sand, but unless you constantly 'stir' the sand and loosen it, the sand with compact and kindof kill the roots. (Get Malaysan Trumpet Snail to help with this!!)
4. Take a siphon to the surface of the sand and get the poop off the surface. If you try to vaccum like you would gravel, you will lose sand (quiet a bit of it) every cleaning.

- Get Cories! They love the sand!
- I personally have sand and love it, it looks really natural, though I am thinking I will add some larger gravel sized rocks to it eventually to make it look more natural.
- Good luck with your project!
Allison