I've looked through the past forums and have not been able to find out how to clean the sand once it is in the tank. I know I have to rince it before putting in tank initially. But what about weekly upkeep. Ive always used the fake colored gravel and now that I have plants and SAP's I want the tank to be better suited for them.
So how do I clean the sand? I have a gravel vac
I have read about pool filter sand but not sure exactly what that is. I assume what it says but any suggestion on brands and webstites to buy from?
Thanks for the help in advance.
Substrate sand cleaning advice
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Blaine
Re: Substrate sand cleaning advice
Pool filter sand is purchased from Swimming pool supply stores. It is originally purposed for pool and spa filters but makes a great aquarium substrate IMO. It is relatively inexpensive (compared to sand purchased from LFS). The brand I use is called Granusil (I am in Canada) and I get it at Krevco Pools and Spas.
IME it requires very little upkeep if you provide lots of flow in the tank. Occasional stirring is recommended to avoid dead spots and gas build-up under the surface.
IME it requires very little upkeep if you provide lots of flow in the tank. Occasional stirring is recommended to avoid dead spots and gas build-up under the surface.
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Jacks974
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Re: Substrate sand cleaning advice
Thanks. I really appreciate the advice. Very quick too.Blaine wrote:Pool filter sand is purchased from Swimming pool supply stores. It is originally purposed for pool and spa filters but makes a great aquarium substrate IMO. It is relatively inexpensive (compared to sand purchased from LFS). The brand I use is called Granusil (I am in Canada) and I get it at Krevco Pools and Spas.
IME it requires very little upkeep if you provide lots of flow in the tank. Occasional stirring is recommended to avoid dead spots and gas build-up under the surface.
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RTR
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Re: Substrate sand cleaning advice
If the tank is heavily planted (at least 75-100% of the surface is covered by plants), and the plats are healthy and actively growing, routine substrate upkeep is required only when the plants are divided or re-set - which would be approximately annually (+/-) and need not be done all at once even then.
If the plants are less heavy, weekly stirring or vacuuming is required for all areas not occupied by plant roots. In-tank current does not penetrate any depth into sand, and if undisturbed does carry a non-trivial risk of anoxia and potential toxicity or fatality to the fish. Some folks get away without it, others suffer tank wipe-out or just not optimally healthy tanks. Why take foolish risks with no potential up-side?
Blasting sand and pool filter sand are fairly large-grained sand and carefully screened for uniformity. Both situations for which they are intended require that for best results. That uniformity also provides for less fines when either material is used as a tank substrate, so there is less cloudiness and much lower danger of filter damage when these are used in tanks. Either material may be used. But if over 1/2 inch deep and not heavily planted, they should have routine (weekly) attention, just as would ordinary unplanted substrates.
HTH
If the plants are less heavy, weekly stirring or vacuuming is required for all areas not occupied by plant roots. In-tank current does not penetrate any depth into sand, and if undisturbed does carry a non-trivial risk of anoxia and potential toxicity or fatality to the fish. Some folks get away without it, others suffer tank wipe-out or just not optimally healthy tanks. Why take foolish risks with no potential up-side?
Blasting sand and pool filter sand are fairly large-grained sand and carefully screened for uniformity. Both situations for which they are intended require that for best results. That uniformity also provides for less fines when either material is used as a tank substrate, so there is less cloudiness and much lower danger of filter damage when these are used in tanks. Either material may be used. But if over 1/2 inch deep and not heavily planted, they should have routine (weekly) attention, just as would ordinary unplanted substrates.
HTH
Where's the fish? - Neptune