substrate: play sand very deep .. ?

R

RYOSYM

AC Members
Aug 6, 2011
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Hello ya'll, I'm starting to set up a 55 gallon planted tank ..

I was looking for substrate to slope up steeply in the back ... maybe 5 inches or more ... kind of like this, but with many more plants: http://www.pawesome.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/6a00d83451b49169e2012876926ae0970c-pi.jpg

My Question:
How do I do this efficiently and safely for brackish water fish? I read that using sand for more than an inch or two creates toxic ..

what about rocks from a nearby creek to fill up the bottom, then play sand on top? or is that the same thing ..

I have play sand, peat sphagnum moss, and larger grain aquarium sand (2 mm) available to me at the moment .

Please give advice!

Thank you :)

Ryo

ps. I am planning 2wpg or a little more .. dwarf hairgrass, amazon sword, water sprite, and other rooted plants.
 
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It can be done, as long as you are aerating the substrate and shifting it around, you might want lots of snails or fish that burrow though. otherwise, this toxic gas will build up and gradual release until boom, fish start dying.

EDIT;
and I would use the finer grain sand UNLESS you aren't adding aeration or snails that burrow like MTS
 
Will the snails or fish dig the plant roots up?

Is there another way to fight toxis gas other than burrowing snails or fish?

Thank you ..
 
RYOSYM said:
Will the snails or fish dig the plant roots up?

Is there another way to fight toxis gas other than burrowing snails or fish?

Thank you ..
Click to expand...

Stirring the sand up frequently yourself before gasses can build up will work. Snails shouldn't really uproot anything, fish I'm not sure what types would work for you I've only done fresh and full saltwater setups.
 
Then, do you guys know of the way that people create steep slopes like in that image, if not using a lot of sand?

How deep is sand to become dangerous .. ?

I really like the appearance of a planted slope and rocks .. like iwagumi, but more dense.
 
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That looks like it's done with gravel, which I would imagine would slope much more easily. I think you're going to need to use some kind of false bottom if you want to do sand.

I don't know how well this would work, but you could try stacking some kind of landscaping rock, like egg rock, to make a slope in the back and then cover it with sand.

If you are really set on it, give it a try, but obviously it's not an easy thing to accomplish or you'd see it all the time! Only a very slight slope is possible with sand, and it will always attempt to level itself out.
 
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Thank you for replying .. :)

If I use landscaping rock or gravel, sand would eventually run through the rocks to the bottom .. would that become toxic in the same way?

How deep is sand to become dangerous .. ?
 
In my opinion, gas pockets are a non issue provided you use Malaysian trumpet snails...and especially if you plant the tank.

I would pack the spaces between the rocks with sand from the get go :) Sand, like water, finds its level always.
 
Seems I'm a bit late to the party...

Sounds like you are approaching 'deep sand bed" territory.

I'd go with pool filter sand, or 1/3 play and 2/3 pool filter sand. It doesnt pack nearly as hard as straight play sand.

And yes, lots of MTS!
 
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