![]() ![]() I prepare this by digging in a clean area for my soil then I rinse it gently (as if I am panning for gold). Sometimes in these lightly planted aquariums I will actually substitute sand for lightly sifted sandy soil. If your aquarium is going to be only lightly or moderately planted, I recommend sand only in the area around the plant roots and use #3 size gravel (or larger) elsewhere. I recommend quick probes into sand and possibly ‘kinking’ the tubing behind the vacuum nozzle to allow the sand to settle back into the tank. Be careful when vacuuming sand as it is easy to suck it into the vacuum and if it is a powered vacuum, this can damage it or clog a Python or similar. If used for live plants, I recommend about ½” #00 or #1 sand followed by 2-1/2” of medium (#3) gravel, with laterite mixed in around plant roots. It provides a better anchor for the roots and even more important, it traps nutrients and symbiotic bacteria needed by plant roots. Sand is good for heavily planted aquariums. Larger debris/organic mulm will gather for easier cleaning with a gravel vacuum, or Eheim Sludge Remover. If #1 sand is used in a non-live planted freshwater aquarium, the use of #3 or #5 also provides a way to lower your chances of hydrogen sulfide production. Hydrogen Sulfide production in anaerobic De-Nitrification for Aquarium/Pond Nitrate Removal If you are not planning to add plants, I would be careful with the use of #00 or #1 sand (#1 sand is commonly used in mortar/masonry) as this can cause dangerous anaerobic Hydrogen Sulfide production in un-planted tanks when anaerobic de-nitrification goes from production of nitrogen to hydrogen sulfides due to sulfur reduction please see this article for more on this subject: Unless the gravel/sand is labeled as "pre-rinsed", it should be rinsed in a bucket about three times (or until it runs clear). With proper cleaning procedures though, waste accumulation should not be a major problem. ![]() The down side to larger gravel is that it will allow for more waste particle or eaten food to accumulate in the larger crevices that form between the pebbles. This allows less build up of hydrogen sulfide producing anaerobic bacteria than with sand. 5 cm in size) or a larger pea sized gravel #5. Shop the best fish sand and gravel for your aquarium habitat here on and let the fun begin.Aquarium Gravel/Sand Substrate, Which to Use Including Picturesįor the average fish only freshwater aquarium I recommend 2-3” of #3 gravel (#3 gravel is. Sand is definitely better for tropical fish and gravel is best for cold water fish. Depending on the size of your fish, you can decide what sort of gravel will work best for your aquarium. Aquarium gravel comes in a variety of colors and particle sizes so there are many varieties readily available to match your tank decor. Fine gravel will provide the plant roots a more stable environment. Choose a finer gravel, perhaps pea-size aquarium rocks, if you want to include freshwater plants. Larger aquarium stones or gravel should be avoided. ![]() Aquarium gravel or sand for your fish tank will enhance the look and feel of your marine habitat. The right substrate, or what is more commonly known as the aquarium rocks or sand that lines the bottom of your tank, can make a world of difference. Finding the best fish sand and gravel to create the perfect aquarium for your new fish is a very important. ![]()
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