The Puffer Forum

I am restarting my tank since my puffer died and I am deciding whether or not I should replace my undergravel filter and rocks for a sand bottom...What would the benefits be from this if any? Is the maintenance similar to a gravel bottom? Which would you prefer and why?

Yeah, maintenance is similar. You just have to really stir up sand regularly (once a month should be fine from what I read.) I think waste tends to sit on the top of sand while with gravel it will sink into the gravel. But definitely stir it as gas pockets can build up in sand.

I have gravel on all my tanks, but once I get my 55 g freshwater I will be putting in a sand bottom. The gravel is fine, but I want fish that like a sandy bottom.

I would definately get rid if that UGF & get a HOB filter, preferably an Aquaclear. Since this is posted in the BW forum, you should be using either crushed coral or aragonite sand, to keep the pH steady, around 8. I oerfer CC, as it is easier to clean with a gravel cleaner.