Maintaining A Sand Substrate In Your Aquarium! KGTropicals!!

[@KGTropicals]

Check out our new series "10 Things" where we cover the top 10 things you should know about fish keeping topics!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3acpaVjqs-Xqbs

[@randomrazr]

i have an acrylic tank adn dont want the sand to scratch it. can i place ceram wrap or cling wrap on the bototm and put the sand on top?

[@TheFineLine920]

@@randomrazr this is by no means a professional answer to your question but... My thinking... Plastic is a petroleum base product. Most household plastic wrap is made from polyethylene, PVC, or PVDC. These polymers are all derived from simple hydrocarbons such as methane or ethylene, which are produced from natural gas or petroleum. I would not put saran wrap on the bottom but that's just me. And I am no professional in this area. Good luck! 💕

[@randomrazr]

@@TheFineLine920 the thing is water pipes are made of PVC lol

[@jacobsever741]

Do you recommend using a smaller sized siphon compared to a bigger one?

[@gerardoaviles7737]

What did you do to clear the cloudy water in youre tank?

[@adamworley196]

Cool trick is to attach a fork, piece of comb, whatever, to the end of your siphon hose. Can rough up the surface to make the junk float up, poke around for air pockets, and help put stuff back nice. I'm clumsy, so the added pokey bits help me out with control and general coordination. Hope this helps anyone!

[@A_o7_]

Awesome idea! I love this!

[@outdoorsforachange]

Nice!

[@LocTran-qm8yd]

Good idea ❤❤❤

[@davajo3868]

I've got white sand, and yes it does show every speck of uneaten food and poop, but it also motivates me to clean my tank far more often than I would with black sand. Looks clean and fresh, and you can see fish swim along the bottom at night, when lights are off and bottom feeders are out.

[@mariot.5178]

so jbl sansibar white is not so nice

[@lifechapterswithleah8541]

I have white sand to, an same, it’s so nice!

[@amandawitherspoon3988]

I try to make time every day to remove poop and uneaten food with a turkey baster. It works really well.

[@nourhanateout7187]

Dava jo what brand did you get? And does it come in black?

[@lucianp32]

@@amandawitherspoon3988 why a turkey baster you could just get a gravel vac with a siphon

[@卄乇乃山匚]

snails (malaysians) or loaches or Cory will help release this air pockets which is really neat because they regularly mess around with the sand 24/7

[@nopespray3724]

Same with koi and goldfish

[@pandaghost4171]

But malaysian trumpet snails,can be a pest to a aquascape tank

[@jacobsever741]

Awesome, I have two Horseface Loaches and they stay buried in the sand and only come out for food.

[@pipperoooo]

I love my Corys. They are wonderful little workers and I also feed them their favorite foods as a reward and to keep them happy and healthy!!

[@tromolonmotions4776]

What about crayfish?

[@liamsworld2198]

Sand is also good for fish that have sensitive whiskers like Corydoras and other scavengers and bottom dwellers, as it minimises risk to their whiskers they also can lay eggs in/under the sand. I use a fine net and a gentle back and forth motion over the top to get the waste to rise than scope most of it before the water change and after feeds, I don’t go too rough as to disturb the sand but than I let it settle again and vacuum the rest for the water change. After that I move my hands through the sand re organising it as a number of my sons fish love excavating and move it around regularly (my son is 4 which is why I do the main work he helps but as much as a 4 year old can when they can’t reach the top of the tank without a step) If you would like to see his tank we made a video and put it on a few weeks back he has some new fish in there now so we will probably do an update soon, as well as some fry in another tank as one of his guppies gave birth. I forgot how addictive fish are and how one tank breedings into multiple tanks so rapidly hahaha.

[@tidyceiling5262]

My corys freaking DESTROY my sand and goes everywhere!😭

[@A_o7_]

MTS multi tank syndrome. It's quite contagious 😂❤

[@A_o7_]

​@@tidyceiling5262good to know. I'm switching to sand this week for my corys 😆

[@enigma533]

I have corys who are big now..lived happily on gravel

[@anthonyquiles5779]

I spent $120 dollars on sand. should have done my research before hand. Looks amazing though.

[@futurestar3348]

$120 where did you get it from?

[@blkicemike4857]

$120? Daaaum!!! how much sand did u use? i paid $5 for 50lb. bag pool filtersand in one of my 75 gal tanks & it looks as good as any i've seen else where. I even planted Melon Sword, some similar to moneywort but thicker starts wit a c- something... So far, after switching from gravel to sand, i prefer it 10 -1 plus the fish seem to like it as well, they're more colorful and heartier than b4 with gravel. seems silly i know but true...

[@kevinmcmullen6527]

@@blkicemike4857 how many bags did you use a your 75, I'm thinking of going to sand with my oscars

[@blkicemike4857]

@@kevinmcmullen6527 ,..in one of my 75gal i used two 50lb bags of pool filter sand, paid like $4.86 a bag @Lowes. U could use about any kind u like, just rinse it really well before you add to aquarium.

[@jennmartin9618]

BlkiceMike I think I might just try that sand

[@Thextoastxisxbob]

Plants also help deal with sand air pockets as the roots create gaps to the surface to prevent the air from collecting hopefully

[@stenki1214]

You could call it a silent but deadly

[@LADYSILVERWOLF028]

Reptilian Gaming 🤣

[@zolitariglussey6302]

Deadly and Laziness just killed 4 of our most exciting family members yet.... sand requires alot and I just learned that at a BIG Cost.... R.I.P kids, I failed again!!

[@A_o7_]

My corys are exactly why I'm switching to sand 😊

[@Zante_on_google]

Had a discus tank with sand. Never did any vacuuming. I had a herd of corys that spent their day digging and turning the sand and keeping the waste in the water column until it got sucked into the sump.

[@Grendeloak]

I use a see through plastic bic pen tube on a hose to clean as I find it easy to get in around and under objects and stir up small areas so as not to contaminate the sand and get rid of gases. Plus you can skim up the dirty sand clean it then add it back later.

[@BenOchart]

Thanks John. My next project will be a sand bottom, so this was timely.

[@geetha92533]

I was just thinking about gravel versus sand. You’re video was very clear and helpful. And your speaking style and volume was very pleasant and friendly. Thank you!

[@fancyfish9872]

I use it all the time and I love it . The fish love it especially the Corydoras. Thank you for the cleaning advise .

[@amrys_argent]

I went with sand from the beginning. My first tank is my goldfish tank, and sand was recommended because grazing goldfish have been known to choke on gravel. I decided I liked the look of it better than gravel, so I used it in the tetra tank I set up at work as well. Then I got into freshwater shrimp, and sand is much easier for them to scavenge through.

[@sandidsaman7723]

hey how to quickly clean the sand before the syphon runs out of time?

[@deborahjeanne2141]

It’s wild that I stumbled across this video because I just bought a 55G and I’m seriously considering using sand in this one. I really want that totally natural look - I want my tank to look like I stuck my head under water in a pond or river. I have a 5G and a small bag of white sand that I’m going to try first, but it’s nice to see a video about pros, cons, and maintenance. Actually, your tanks look so darn pretty with sand, that was my motivation to switch. I like the idea that waste stays on the surface and I don’t have to be so aggressive with a vacuum like I do with substrate. And I’ve heard that cory cats are much happier in sand rather than gravel, so that’s another plus. Thanks, John.

[@suewright1299]

I changed to sand 4 years ago and it's so much better. Thanks for the video.

[@someone_in_existence4095]

Thank you so much !!! I’m remodeling my tank and I did not know how to clean sand this was so helpful ❤️❤️❤️

[@kxc3966]

Awesome video thank you. 30 years in the hobby still learning. I use blaxk diamond sand blasting sand from traxtor supply. Already washed you only need a quick rinse and your tank will be cloud free. Make sure it is course and not fine they sell different micron sizes.

[@izzy8609]

We have a pond on our property with a beautiful sand bottom and I set up a tank with that sand before with great results. One thing to note is that I used Malaysian trumpet snails and buried them across the tank and I never had to worry about pockets or air. I then used cone snails with ramshorn snails for the rest of the heavy lifting to great effect. The mayalsian trumpets aerate the substrate whilst they eat.

[@kaitlynstark3011]

I recently switched from gravel to black sand in my 10 gal betta tank. It looks great and anchoring plants is so much easier! :D

[@dremer26]

I am thinking of changing to black sand but is it hard to notice the fish pop or is it the same

[@Ucceah]

the "plunge method" works wonders on sand, for occasional deep cleaning and mixing it around! you just gotta keep a finger on the other end of the hose, to moderate the flow. it only takes a drizzling, to fluidise the sand inside the tube.

[@TheHurdyGurdyMan.]

Thanks for this vid! I just switched from gravel to sand in my 5 gallon and I was worried after hearing about the gas pockets. But now that I know how to prevent them I feel much better 😁

[@48tomw]

Sand can wreck havoc on the impeller shafts and the magnets so I use pre filter sponges on my filter intake tubes. Granted its not likely to happen but isn't risk mitigation the name of game? Scuba Steve says all the time!Lol

[@it13455]

Sponge filters are your frens

[@DominicDarrell]

One of my tanks from years ago had the filter destroyed by sand. I removed all the sand and never looked back, but after this video and comment, I'm a little more comfortable with trying again

[@varanidguy]

I have found that having creatures that like to burrown in sand help a lot, like trumpet snails or loaches...providing they're compatible with the inhabitants.

[@Chappy520]

thanks for the info ! good to know i have a 75 gal running a fluval 406 with 2 convics , 2 green terror , 2 silvini , 2 rubber lip and 3 pictus cats on 50 lbs of super naturals . its all about a month old and running great . i liked that you have all fluval canisters in the background . i love it . cant wait to see more videos . thanks for the upload

[@odinson8552]

You guys have been a lifesaver in setting up my first aquarium, thank you so much

[@SLFYSH]

The PITA you don't mention is that because of the increased delicacy and time in vacuuming the sand, you're also pulling out much more water, and thus dramatically increasing how much is replaced.

[@danieldibiase731]

I have this exact issue I’m not able to clean my 9 gallon tank fast enough before I’ve suctioned out 50% of the water

[@sandidsaman7723]

ah any solution?

[@kimfreeman852]

You can raise You bucket on a table, use a shorter, smaller diameter hose, and keep your finger over the exit end of the hose to stop or slow the flow according to where you are in the aquarium and how much junk you're hovering over.

[@seamusmac777]

Malaysian trumpet snails are a great choice for preventing Gass pockets in sand too! Because they constantly traverse the sand both on top and burrowing beneath gas doesn't have a chance to accumulate

[@EVOLMINDED]

Thanks so much for these vids, they help me out so much. I’m a new betta fish keeper and I’m excited to give my betta a long and happy life in his sand aquarium.

[@Vildmis]

I didnt know about the gas pockets, so thanks for the info. I'm going out to buy my first sand substrate and thought it might be a good idea to research it first, glad I did 😁 kind regards from a newbie ❤

[@Katseye102]

Very helpful! I have sand on top of organic dirt for a planted tank, plants are surprisingly doing well, always could use good tips!

[@WP1097]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been looking for this type of info for a few months as I've just started being an aquarium enthusiast. I quickly became interested in aqua scaping and sand is a BEAUTIFUL substrate. I am dealing with cloudiness as I did not clean the sand. I got black sand substrate. I'm thinking of starting over to get the water clear. Thank you for the cleaning and gas pocket info. I am now a loyal subscriber!! THANK YOU AGAIN!!

[@loganjones9358]

Honestly subscribed because you create the most common typical things people don’t normally think about. I’m a surgeon, and I’m always entertained watching your videos, things I’m already aware of, but just good to watch and learn every day! Keep up this good work, one of the rarest things I’ve saw on a channel.

[@ramonburgos6351]

John, great video. I just set up my 75G and decided to use pool filter sand based on your video. Looks great and saved a ton of money! True: rinse, rinse, rinse!!!!!

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

btw- Pool filter sand is so firm,you could actually do a great zen tank with the sand raked in rings around a single rock. Just avoid the fish that stir things and you would be surprised how long it keeps the rings in an aquarium.

[@masculism101]

A tip I use... when your first staring a new or total substrate change after washing the sand and installing it and most things your going to have in the tank, I run a water supply and a siphon at the same time for a few hours until the tank is totally clear... then and only then do I add other tank water or turn on filters.... Sand silt is almost impossible to filter out like organic matter, so starting out with a settled tank will go a long way in setting things right from the beginning...

[@lensyramos]

Planning to change my gravel stone to sand, luckily I watched this video. Really helpful!

[@zeusescoven8266]

Thanks to your video I just put sand in my tank, fortunately I bought a sand specifically made for tanks, it was super clean I had to rinse about twice only and it's very white, which I prefer over the brown looking sand, although it was a little more pricey than expected it looks amazing! My bichirs and ghost knife love it.

[@kdr1048]

thanks. switching to a 10 to a 20 gallon and i want a natural look. this was great info to know

[@Vailwolf]

I use very fine sand for my Axolotl, it was my first time using sand and honestly.. I do not find it hard to maintain. I actually use a turkey baster to pick up crud, it's only a 30 gallon tank so a siphon sucks up way too much water. It looks very pretty and the white color helps me find those elusive turds.

[@msh4racing]

Hi. I'm not sure if you see new comments on older videos, but I thought I would try. I have a suggestion for a subscriber poll: should the arowana tank remain bare bottom? Thanks for all you do!

[@wildbill9919]

I installed a ball valve at the end of my gravel vacuum. That allows me to reduce the flow of the water and I can vacuum my sand without siphoning it out of the tank.

[@paul5276]

Sand blasting sand works good too. It comes in different size granules.

[@dwatts30]

Just wanted to stop by and show some love to your channel. Thanks for all the helpful info! Havent had a aquarium since I was a kid now im working on setting up a 75 gallon south American chiclid tank for my home! Still debating on what filtration I want to use leaning towards canister filter or sump

[@Whey2010]

lesson learned..."Don't Be Lazy!"

[@zolitariglussey6302]

and I was......... My Lazy wife needs to get involved as well!!

[@lisagregory8912]

Thank you. Setting up my first sand tank this week.

[@MrBAchompBAchomp]

🤣🤣 those plekos on the outside of the tank had me too confused for a minute

[@skrunklycreationz]

I got 3 corydora catfish a few days ago and right now the corydora/guppy 20 gallon tank has gravel on the bottom. I am gonna switch to sand tomorrow and spend today getting it, researching, and cleaning it. I want my little Cory's to be able to burrow, and sand looks sooo much nicer than my black gravel

[@TazHall]

I just turn on the filter, stir up the sand with a chopstick and all the crap gets sucked up. Lowe's in my area sells 50lbs of all purpose sand for $5.

[@amandawitherspoon3988]

Will plants grow good in that type of sand?

[@queenv3350]

@@amandawitherspoon3988 yes, if you feed your plants.

[@amandawitherspoon3988]

@@queenv3350 Thank you.

[@poppiesplace4475]

Similarly to Memories Channel's comment, I zip tied a couple of plastic cocktail stirrers to the siphon tube. They protrude down from the tube and stir up my sand while vacuuming. The length of the stirrers can be adjusted to work with your sand's grain size.

[@teddybonkers3580]

I use sand in all my tanks. Black diamond medium grit, quickrete medium sand (white), playsand (favorite and most natural looking) and hth pool sand from Ace hardware. I'll never go back to gravel again. With playsand I no longer wash the sand, I just fill the tank up on a trickle so it's not disturbed I think they clay in it actually helps plants. And no corydoras etc do not cloud the tank when they dig for some reason it remains perfectly clear unwashed and I have seventy tanks with half of them playsand non-washed prior.

[@tonymichel174]

I find it SO much easier to just use the hose itself to go around the surface. The suction is way more powerful as well, so you just have to be close, instead of having to stir it up

[@beachmb]

I'm new to the hobby and addicted!! Thank you for the great info in your videos👊👊

[@Anytyme06]

I use sand because I have goldfish and it gives them something natural to do. They sift all day long!

[@Mboever]

One of the tips hobbyists I know use is using a rubber band and attaching a chop stick or something similar to the end of the cup of there python and poke that into the sand and drag that through the sand as they scan the surface to pick up detritus etc.

[@jacquesbaker1557]

I have a weird albino strain of Malaysian trumpet snail that does not breed overly fast that I use to prevent gas pockets because they burrow into the sand and pop any bubbles that develop before they get large enough to hurt my tank

[@TylerOstergaard]

I've found that using a air hose for between water change poop cleaning works really well. you can get a lot off poop with little sand/water being removal with

[@Jason-by1yy]

This guy is right on point he's right obviously knows what he's talking about I do the same stuff you looking for advice this is the guy

[@zebbridwell5433]

Hey man I really needed to hear what all you said and thanks alot for helping me out you were right on and helped me fix my tank problem thanks brother

[@kensaquatics]

I really thank you for the advice John you make things easier for me 👍🏿

[@rochenmeister]

So glad i saw this video, i have a ton of sandbags from our hurricane season lol. Its surprisingly clean too though, i was shocked once i put it in water

[@ImranAminSinger]

Kg i make sand cleaner by using cloth and simple airpump, i use this since 5 years. Easy to pick dust and all leftover food, poop from tank.. after that if its sucks sand in pocket, i just open pocket and remove sand from it. Clean and back to the tank ;)

[@Zelaznogsiul-63]

Great video, my gold fish keep the sand very clean. I have a small 20 gallon with 2 goldfish and 2 small soft shell turtles and so far no problems.

[@sushant3196]

Good info. Here's the other side though, I have white sand and cleaning it is a pain in the butt. Firstly you need light to be on so if you have a box top and the light is fixed on the box then you'd need another light source as you have to dismantle the top cover. No matter how careful you are, you'll still end up sucking some sand out, mind you, even if you gently stir the top of sand. Also, when you siphon it, it can never be as clean as gravel because in the gravel the waste is light enough to get sucked out and gravel is heavy enough to not get sucked out, so like a vaccum cleaner, you can push hard. THIS IS THE WORST DISADVANTAGE: If you are not careful enough not to allow sand to settle down first before turning on your canister, the sand will get stuck in your motor or impeller and make that krrrrrrrrrrr sound and damage the canister in the long run, so you have to not only clean the impeller, but also the motor evrytime you hear the canister making weird krrrrrr sound especially when switching on and off. Also, sand can get sucker into your mechanical filtration requiring you to change sponges every once in a while. If you have fine aqua soil in the bottom most layer like I do then cleaning is a bigger headache because you can't afford to stir up the sand even a little bit, so planter aquariums with fine soil should not have sand as the top layer. This may not be an issue for everyone but I use a generic utensil scrubber to clean algae off the glass and when you reach the bottom layer, you have to be very careful while scrapping it out,otherwise you will end up disturbing sand and it takes a while for sand to settle down. Goodluck.

[@GiSWiG]

I guess I had the right idea on prepping sand because I never saw the other video. I used 50lbs bag of pool filter sand and I spent a few hours rinsing the sand vigorously using a 5gal bucket, hose and only putting in 3-4inch of sand so you can imagine how long it takes but that is the best part. I stirred vigorously enough that I was not satisfied with what was left after a whirlpool of sand would make the water look dirty but then the sand would dropped instantly within 1-2 seconds after I stopped. Now the sand in the tank does not cloud the water at all when stirring it up and when stirred up, the sand would fall first before any waste would. And because it is a cichlid tank and they love to move that sand around, the sand sinks instantly, the waste settles above it. I also use a hotdog fork to stir the sand so the pockets don't form but the 'structures' the cichlids make stays mostly intact.

[@sa2985]

great info,professional and informative without all the unnecessary information.considering some white sand for my two fish tanks for my bettas but no pet stores sell sand,only gravel.smallest pool filter sand bags are 15kg,i only need less than 5kg ughhhhh

[@michaelagostino3483]

Great info, never tried sand before, but much more likely now after this very informative video. Thanks John.

[@KGTropicals]

Don't be scared of it, it's easier then you think;-)

[@nuttcase769]

Good stuff KGTropicals I was thinking about switching over too now I think I might thx 👍🏽

[@StraightothePointNews]

I use a few hunks of dead corral in my African cichlid tanks and it raises the ph slightly when also slightly increasing salinity

[@dmon491]

Great video. Please give us a list of plants we can grow on sand substrate and how to maintain them. Thank you.

[@jessicascheuring7921]

Thank you so much for this video! I just switched to sand today and had no idea about the gas bubbles!! Great video!

[@Zaku186]

Theres a lot of back and forth about the hydrogen sulphide gas that forms. personally i dont think its worth worrying about. like anaerobic bacteria are what produce it, and they live in areas of the substrate with basically no flow through it. so as the bubble sits in the substrate the gas isnt dissolving into the water at any rate that would be harmful. and if that area is disturbed and the bubble rises to the top i really dont think enough of it to cause harm could dissolve into the water in the short time the bubble rises up the tank and pops at the top. Cory from aquarium co op says there isnt enough evidence to prove the gas pocket are what are killing fish and he just does not worry about them either. i can see a few of them in my planted 55 gal, and im personally just not worried about it. (wow that comment got long fast.)

[@jessicascheuring7921]

Thank you😂

[@JenaTuckerAquariums]

Great info!# Thanks. Have 8 tanks, 6 have play sand, didn't know about stirring it often. But will do it from now on!

[@vincentsteen2176]

If you have bottom dwellers like cory cats or loaches, they dig and sift through it enough so there is no need to stir it up or worry about gas pockets. Digging cichlids do a fine job of that too! (always rearranging my sand! :)

[@universalcichlids9313]

Hey...I have a quarantine tank with sand substrate that has not been used in about 3 months. I drained it and its been sitting with the same moist sand for a few months untouched and Im wondering if it would be a problem just filling it up and starting a fishless cycle. Guys like you and Jay Wilson got me started about 8 months ago...0 fish lost due to tank issues(Thanks KG!)...about 7 lost due to sheer stupidity. Started out just buying all kinds of Cichlids...paying for it now. 5 tanks in....

[@VampiricDarkDragon]

Isn't there another way to help prevent gas pockets from forming, especially if it is a dirted sand tank, and that is to add Malaysian Trumpet Snails, since they'll burrow through it constantly? I've also heard people use blackworms for that purpose, though I presume they'll likely be eaten up too quickly before they can do so.

[@viperexpress305]

Hi John, new to your site as well. my question is I'm old school & I still use my diatom filter when I want to polish the water in my tanks. can you do a partial sand cleaning then use the diatom filter until the tank clears up or is it a waste of time using the diatom for sand cleaning ?

[@thefishinggamekeeper5713]

I was able to get sand for my test aquarium outside. I used a fish net to filter out the big parts of soil from the small parts, then I began to pour the soil in a container, then I began to clean the sand constantly until the water is clear. i used this 'sand' in outside tanks to grow out aquarium plants so I can use again if the plants in the main tank plants don't do so well. I wonder if this helps or is even safe for fish, snails, shrimp, etc.

[@kryssy427]

I loved how you explained this. Very thorough video 👍

[@MarkyPlaysPH]

Glad i watched this... Thank you... I'll be cleaning my sand substrate in 2 of my tanks tomorrow

[@bebebutterfield1]

Girly sand doesn't fart...it poots.

[@lets_windturbine]

4:02 my Hemichromis lifalil helps me maintaining that cuz when the mother is pregnat the father digging holes all around the aquarium cuz the babys will sit in that later an, now my aquarium looks like the surface of the moon 😂😂😂 so much holes in the sand but yeah it really helps most of the air bubbles are not anymore in the sand ,so yeah i work with my fishies together during maintainig the sand

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

Sand- makes filtering much harder. It, unlike gravel, doesn't seem to help filter water that flows over it. So,its ALL on your filter,plants to keep water quality high. Sand is also very high in silica- that's a good food for blue green and brown algae. You''ll notice it starts over the sand long before it starts on plants or glass. But,if you put the pool filter sand in...its heavy and clean to start. Pour in in a mound...and you would be shocked how long it stays in a mound. I would advise you keep a stable of sand cleaners with it...Geophagus,Corydoras,worm type loaches. Yet,in large tank...a vast area of sand is hypnotically beautiful. So like every clean stream you've ever seen in nature.

[@mervinadams5781]

Good to know that there are pro's and con's before getting into it

[@Mumnonymous]

You're very good at putting information out that is very comprehensive x thank-you x

[@ShaneZettelmier]

You also don’t need that much sand, if you have sponges in your filter the sand is pretty much completely inert and you need just enough to cover the bottom, you don’t really need it at all you can have a bare bottom tank, so it’s pretty much cosmetic. If you keep it then you don’t have to worry about the air pockets. You can also use the gravel back and let it pour the sand out and then just clean it and put it back as well

[@robinhansler4976]

8$ for sand mix 20kg @home depot........cory's love it , angelfish doing great.....

[@PaulMartin61]

Great video.. makes me want to put up 'another' tank using sand. Thanks John!!

[@KGTropicals]

Ha ha I hope I don't get you in trouble!

[@clarestephens9743]

Hello, thanks for the tips! Should I move drift wood and pots etc to clean under them?

[@zoeee4939]

That little water banana plant is adorable!

[@imienazwisko248]

and the third methot to avoid gas pockets are snails that live in substrate i have them and i dont have any problems with gas pockets

[@insomniacraccoon]

Thanks dude. Was having trouble sucking all the poop out with the siphon, gonna try the light scrape with the tube.

[@user-fq7tv2lo6e]

I think with good filter suction at bottom and a nice group of bottom fish like corydoras stirring up the debris maintenance is not an issue The one thing i would not skip spending money on is a a large canister filter, this will make maintenance a breeze

[@flamingbridges1649]

I recently changed my substrate from gravel to sand in my goldfish tank. My 2 rabbit snails definitely like it and they're always burying themselves in it.

[@TheRealGame77]

I am going to have my first aquarium. It will definitely be a sand substrate aquarium. I do need any and every tip you are willing to give. I plan to have a 10-20 gallon tank. Maybe a 15 gallon. I want to have a couple of guppies and minnows. Thanks for your tips. :)

[@HappyBuddhaBoyd]

I've had aquariums for decades...ALL with sand substrate. I never do water changes, except when cleaning the tank about once a year. I have NEVER heard of 'gas pockets' within the sand, nor have I seen any bubbles. More importantly, I have never lost a fish to ammonia, ph, nor anything else related to the water quality. The secret to it....keep your sump and filter floss clean. I change my filter floss about twice a month on all my tanks.... mostly because I like to overfeed.....but I have NEVER had to do a water change due to ammonia or gas.

[@vishwaranjan2790]

god finally got someone saying something good and releaving. great video helped me a lot

[@AvanOs-qr9xf]

If you keep Corydoras schwartzi like I do, you have to use riversand. It's so much better for their barbs. Fish like Corydoras are great to keep the sand substrate clean. Also assassin snails (Anetome helena) are good for the condition of a sand substrate because they burrow into it. If you use these animals in combination with regular maintenance a sand substrare can last for years (mine is 5 years old and still in perfect condition).

[@extarys2416]

Hey! I enjoy watching all your videos, keep the good work! I recently switched form gravel to Seachem Flourite Sand, and even though I washed it for 45 minutes, plenty of dust remains. I got a little bit bored (shame on me) and decided to put it in my tank anyway. Now my tank is cloudy but I know it will eventually settle. I try to aerate it by putting my finger in it and making little circles and many dust come out everytime. Should I continue? I wanted to add some MTS but many told me an infestation is very probable. I really want my fish to be happy and healthy but I also want to aerate my sand and make sure its fluffy enough for my plants. What would you suggest? Thank you

[@terryshelton6235]

Had sand and a very small amount of gravel in my tanks for better than 30 years. The plants and fish love it. Never clean the sand the fish keep it clean.

[@zone07]

I use Play Sand (Home Depot $4.50 for 50lbs). The following crew sifts the sand for me; Corys, Fire mouths and Blood Parrot. They are constantly sifting and moving the sand around. When I clean, I have to level the sand because they keep making piles and digging holes.

[@tigersunruss]

I've had sand in my tanks for 25 years. If you decorate your tank with fake plants and other items the waste will eventually find it's way to the small divots of your tank (around the plants). You can just vacuum in those areas to get he waste out. Also, if you keep things like cichlids they will disturb your sand enough you won't have to worry about gasses. I also have a finer sand than what he shows so food doesn't fall further down inside and cause gas build up. I got this sand 20 years ago so I have no idea where you can get it now but I like that pool filter sand idea.