Sand or Gravel

[danotaylor]

Vinnie I hope you don't mind me answering Luiz here?? Yes, it has an overall beige appearance, but it is very clean looking quartz, not dull like play sand. I don't have a clear picture of the sand but this one at least shows kinda what it looks like...there is a lot of tannin in the water from the wood.

MVIMG_20191021_220317.jpg

[Vinni Smith]

Vinnie I hope you don't mind me answering Luiz here?? Yes, it has an overall beige appearance, but it is very clean looking quartz, not dull like play sand. I don't have a clear picture of the sand but this one at least shows kinda what it looks like...there is a lot of tannin in the water from the wood.

MVIMG_20191021_220317.jpg

That right there is what I would go with.
I like that coarse sand.
Just seems it would be much easier to deal with.

[Bud Smith]

I have had sand and gravel. I like the look of sand but it gets in everything. If I were to set up a display tank I would use Carib Sea super naturals peace river. Small gravel and easy to vac. If you go to Carib Sea.com they will show you their variety of sand and gravel including size. My experience between the two substrates.

[Vinni Smith]

So, for now, I have been just chilling, doing my WCs and vacuuming the bottom.
I decided to let the algae grow on the BB.
I like the looks. The fish seem to like picking around in it.
We will see how this goes.
Just wanted to try it before I add anything else that I may end up regretting.

Algae1.jpgAlgae@.jpg

[peewee1]

So, for now, I have been just chilling, doing my WCs and vacuuming the bottom.
I decided to let the algae grow on the BB.
I like the looks. The fish seem to like picking around in it.
We will see how this goes.
Just wanted to try it before I add anything else that I may end up regretting.

Algae1.jpgAlgae@.jpg

Lookat the size of the turd, Vinni! I now understand and feel your pain with regard to daily cleanup.

[pastry]

I'm going to be an npopular minority on this but I say "local" sand. I've used sand from Folly beach and sand from two different lakes... it's a RISK (could be unwanted critters) but there are tons of "good critters" in it.

I'm more comfortable using local sand than "store bought" of any kind. But I'm also the ding dong who uses local driftwood but a few times have used wood types that were no bueno.

Either way, definitely sand over gravel if wanting sediment. Gravel is SOOOO bad for trapping crap which leads to other bad things. Don't do powder sand but just standard sand (IMO)

[danotaylor]

I'm a local wood guy as well Elliot...love finding my own cool pieces and using them...

[Losago1980]

Vinnie I hope you don't mind me answering Luiz here?? Yes, it has an overall beige appearance, but it is very clean looking quartz, not dull like play sand. I don't have a clear picture of the sand but this one at least shows kinda what it looks like...there is a lot of tannin in the water from the wood.

MVIMG_20191021_220317.jpg

Thanks Daniel for showing me, looks really good mate!

[danotaylor]

You're welcome Luiz!!

[Vinni Smith]

Lookat the size of the turd, Vinni! I now understand and feel your pain with regard to daily cleanup.

Yep, that's a biggin'

[Vinni Smith]

I got on the phone while doing a WC yesterday.
Forgot all about it.
Then I remembered. OH NO!!!
The fish were still swimming but sideways.
It was a WC via Willie.
Got it filled back up.
Whew.

[danotaylor]

Discus pancakes! A Willie special

[fljones3]

A Water Willie

Discus pancakes! A Willie special

[danotaylor]

[igotgats]

Vinnie I hope you don't mind me answering Luiz here?? Yes, it has an overall beige appearance, but it is very clean looking quartz, not dull like play sand. I don't have a clear picture of the sand but this one at least shows kinda what it looks like...there is a lot of tannin in the water from the wood.

MVIMG_20191021_220317.jpg

Can you grow plants in this sand?