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Is there a difference between sandy subtrate and more rocky besides the looks and burrowing abilities. Will one or the other let food sit more or something?

Chris

Hi,
To answer your specific question, the sand with its smaller
grain size leaves less space between the grains for the
detritus to accumulate in. Most of it will settle on the
top of the sand and eventually discolor it. Also, with the
smaller spaces between the grains the bacteria from the
rotting detritus can clog the spaces and create areas of
anaerobic bacteria that give off Hydrogen Sulfide (smells
like rotten eggs) that is toxic to fish.

If you are going to use sand, don't make it deep. Keep it
between an inch and an inch and a half in depth. Use cat
fish such as the cories and/or the MTS snail to burrow
around in the sand keeping it loose and uncompacted

With the larger grain size gravel, it can create problems
with fish that have barbels. The sharp edges of the grains
can cut them causing infection and maiming if not death of
the fish.

For more information on Substrates check out these two
sites - One will discuss the various substrates and the
other is a Substrate Calculator where you plug in the
tank dementions and how deep you want the substrate, and
it will calculate how much you need to purchase.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/plant_substrates.php

And the Calculator:

http://www.plantedtank.net/substratecalculator.html

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Another result from a sand substrate can be a difficulty vacuuming. One must really just skim the surface of the sand with gravel the hose, or mix up the sand by hand, and then vacuum. You also want to wait a few minutes before starting the filters up, as sand can run into them and cause problems.

________________________________________
The calming qualities of a good aquarium are irrefutable

As you can see there are many differances between the two substrates. I also would add sand is for the experienced fish keeper who has done all the research and knows how to handel all the extra problems that can/will happen if not used correctly.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

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I have had both and wish, as nice as sand looks I had stuck with gravel, frankly sand is a pain in %%%% and gravel generally equals better plants and a cleaner tank. it is possible to keep sand clean but bits of it turn black and yucky if you really aren't huge on a cleaning regime.

and it is has scratched all my internal filters up too - the I forgot what they are called, the bits that spin round they are pretty damaged.

GFG

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone

Hi GFG,
It is called an "Impeller."

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

thank you Frank, knew it was some thing like that,, at least you knew what I meant! - not a bad description!!!

GFG

_______________________________________
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.
Harvey S. Firestone