Sand Substrate Tank

Tanks with a sand substrate are ideal for many kinds of bottom dwelling fish. Loaches and catfish in particular seem to enjoy rooting in them.

Sand has a few pitfalls, so listen up. It can become anaerobic if left untouched too long, so stir it when you do a water change. Sand can ruin a filter, so put a sponge over the intake. Sand almost always comes dirty, and takes a long time to clean. It also may cloud water for the first few fillings, so don't expect a quick result.

There are also many good things about sand. Wastes and dirt stay on top rather than drifting under as it does in gravel. Bottom dwelling fish love it, and often disappear right into the sand. Some plants grow very well in sand only.

First, set up the tank, level surface and all that. Get your sand. Some fish stores sell it, but many Garden centers sell less expensive sand in larger amounts, which just needs to be washed more. Another good source of sand is Pool Filter Sand. It has normally already been rinsed fairly well, and is of a uniform size. You want enough sand to cover the bottom of the tank about 1/2" to 1" deep. Sand should not be piled too high, as it does not do well in freshwater that way.

Now wash. The best way to wash the sand is to use a bucket and a hose. Wash it thoroughly, stirring it up to release bubbles and keep it from floating in your tank too much. When the water from it runs clear, or mostly clear, pour it into your tank. Hopefully it will be quite wet so easily spreadeable. Place decorations as deep into the sand as you can, and start filling the tank.

Add plants that are good in sand - Java Fern, Java Moss, Hornwort, Lemna Minor, and plastics. Place the cover over the tank when finished planting, and the lights above that. Plug the lights in, and stare at your tank.

Before you add fish, cycle as you would any other tank.

Good Fish for this Setup:

Good Plants for this Setup:

 

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