sand

by **flip** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 2:54 pm

im wanting to use sand for substrate in my tank im going to set up and am wondering if any sand would work. hubby is getting some sand to put on our steps to keep us from slipping and said i can have some of that for the tank. but is it safe to use? i can always get some play sand but this is free so if it will be ok ill use it. sorry for so many questions [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

by **Netty** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:28 pm

Not sure about that type of sand but playsand is fine. Just make sure to rinse it really well before you put it in Very Happy

by **flip** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:34 pm

ok i wont chance it then. i'll just go ahead and do the play sand! does anyone know if mystery snails would be ok with sand?

by **Netty** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:38 pm

I think most snails are ok with sand. I've not heard anything to say it could be a problem.

by **flip** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 4:50 pm

great! thank you netty:) the lfs had some blue mystery snails in last time i was there and i figured they may be good tankmates for the boys!

by **Netty** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:22 pm

Yep they should be fine...just watch your boys though cos some will have a go at snails and some leave them alone or you could get one like mine who likes to push them along the surface from one side of the tank to the other. Hours of fun lol!

by **flip** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 5:48 pm

that would be a sight! lol i will keep an eye on them. add the snails first right?

by **Netty** on Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:11 pm

Yep....always best to add other creatures before your Betta. That way he wont have established his territory and will lessen the chance of him having a hissy fit at the little snail Very Happy

by **flip** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 12:39 pm

thanks netty!

by **Netty** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:34 pm

No probs. Also when your sand is in and your adding the water. Pop a plate on the bottom to pour onto as this will help stop the sand going everywhere which then takes ages to clear [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

by **flip** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:45 pm

thats a good idea! thanks:) how deep should the sand be in the bottom? i know it will need to be stirred up, but how offten and can i just use the net to do so?

by **Netty** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:02 pm

It depends if you are going to be using live plants or silk. About an inch should be fine but abit more if you are planting. I stir mine every week when I do water changes. I use an airline as a syphon to pick up the visible muck and then pop my thump over the end to stop sucking and stir the sand. The airline is attached to a straight piece of rigid plastic so you can move it easily to where you want [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

by **liz2** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:23 pm

one of my boys used to have a snail in with him and he used to rush up and threaten it and then swim away everso smug, the snail couldnt care less!

by **flip** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 3:27 pm

netty you are a genius! i never would have thought to attach a straight piece to the airline!!what did you use as the straight piece? i use airline for my other tank to. wishing id have thought of that!!!

hehe liz, sounds cute!

by **Netty** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:24 pm

We cut up a plastic coat hanger for ours. It's something we use all the time for cleaning fry tanks. Means we don't suck up so many babies [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

by **flip** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:43 pm

how did ya connect it to the airline?

by **Netty** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 5:48 pm

We used some of those cable ties that you get to hold wires together.

by **flip** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:21 pm

oh ok! i think we have some of those:) thank you!

by **Haych** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:27 pm

as my tanks are so big, i use a spatular to mix and level the sand!

by **flip** on Wed Dec 23, 2009 6:33 pm

thats a good idea too. when you mix up the sand does the water get too cloudy?

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