Sand

[Surf&turf]

Is reef sand ok for a Discus tank?

[Ryan925]

I believe reef sand is designed to alter ph correct ?

Pool filter sand is recommend as it's inert

[Surf&turf]

Ok, thanks. I figured the calcium mix would raise the ph.

[Ryan925]

Ok, thanks. I figured the calcium mix would raise the ph.

Stable ph is very important in our discus tanks.

I had just some regular pool filter sand from ace hardware previously. I just replaced it with the aqua quartz sand

[Surf&turf]

Stable ph is very important in our discus tanks.

I had just some regular pool filter sand from ace hardware previously. I just replaced it with the aqua quartz sand

Where did you get the aqua quartz?

[Ryan925]

Where did you get the aqua quartz?

I'll find the link. Found a pool supply place online that had it for for like half the price of everywhere else

[Ryan925]

http://www.poolsuppliessuperstore.co...r-Silica-Sand/

[Surf&turf]

http://www.poolsuppliessuperstore.co...r-Silica-Sand/

Thanks

[Surf&turf]

So is sand better than gravel for a substrate?

[Ryan925]

So is sand better than gravel for a substrate?

Most definitely. Gravel cannot be kept clean enough. Bare bottom is usually recommend for water quality purposes but a thin layer of sand can be kept clean with proper tank maintenance

[Surf&turf]

Most definitely. Gravel cannot be kept clean enough. Bare bottom is usually recommend for water quality purposes but a thin layer of sand can be kept clean with proper tank maintenance

Thanks

[jim LI]

Most definitely. Gravel cannot be kept clean enough. Bare bottom is usually recommend for water quality purposes but a thin layer of sand can be kept clean with proper tank maintenance

+1

[AquaWoman]

I grew out five Discus with a thin layer of gravel, also had silk plants and driftwood. It's a LOT harder to keep clean but if you Love that look and are willing to vacuum with every water change it can work. I've still got mine and they are 5 and a half to 7+ inches and three years old. There are others here too with successful planted tanks. It's just a TON of work.

[Ryan925]

I grew out five Discus with a thin layer of gravel, also had silk plants and driftwood. It's a LOT harder to keep clean but if you Love that look and are willing to vacuum with every water change it can work. I've still got mine and they are 5 and a half to 7+ inches and three years old. There are others here too with successful planted tanks. It's just a TON of work.

Yes it can be done in some cases but not advisable for a first time discus keeper. When I had gravel I deep vac'd it every other day with large water changes. I would vac until I saw no more debris being sucked up. When I finally removed the gravel it was astonishing how much crap was in it when I thought it was clean

[AquaWoman]

Yes it can be done in some cases but not advisable for a first time discus keeper. When I had gravel I deep vac'd it every other day with large water changes. I would vac until I saw no more debris being sucked up. When I finally removed the gravel it was astonishing how much crap was in it when I thought it was clean

I'm a first time Discus keeper. lol I totally understand the concept that BB is easier but saying "gravel cannot be kept clean enough" just doesn't ring true. It's been kept clean enough for my Adult fish who are healthy and huge. I know of many other people who have substrate and they've grown out amazing Fish as well. I have a book on Discus by Dr. Herbert Axelrod and he writes " It is unimportant for rearing the fish whether we set up the tank as a "sanitary" one (without bottom covering) or as an " ornamental" one. " The key is clean water. You most certainly CAN have clean water with substrate IF you're willing to put in all of the extra effort to maintain it. I realize here in this forum BB are more popular but if we are to be honest about Discus Husbandry we should be including those who are successfully keeping Discus in tanks with substrates. BB isn't the only way.