Sayhi2steve Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 Hi All I was thinking of using sand as substrate in my african tank but have heard stories about being anaerobic and causing gas that can stink and kill the fish. Can anyone help me with anything they know on using sand as a substrate. Cheers for any Help Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 I have had a lot of help, with setting up my African tank, from the cichlidiots in The Community Tank. They told me to have a thin layer of sand, just enough to cover the bottom, as it is easier to keep clean. Cichlids like lots of water changes and good quality water and the sand traps food particles. It can also compact and go bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted May 3, 2003 Report Share Posted May 3, 2003 I've always wondered, a lot of marine tanks INTENTIONALLY use really deep sand beds so it does go anaerobic. The anaerobic bacteria eats nitrates in the water. Why would it work significantly differently in freshwater? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brocky05 Posted May 8, 2003 Report Share Posted May 8, 2003 Your africans will love it mine did use a layer of polystyrene then a layer of rocks as a base for any structures and then at least 2 inches of sand. Make sure it is not too fine as it will stir up too easily and will look horrible when your fish move around. Africans wil love this especially tangs as they love sifting through it looking for food as in nature. Also IMPORTANT try to get sand that is free of iron as it is murder on filter impellors :oops: . hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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