Aquarium Substrate Showdown: Sand vs Gravel! Does it Even Matter?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Want to learn more about substrate? Check out these videos! How to Clean Sand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZapoWOfgdxnr7M How to Choose The RIght Substrate Color: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIa5f2tuqLCDgKs A Real LIfe Example of How Fish Change Color Based on Substrate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5LEiYOFZd10g6M Best White Sand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX2nlYyCl9-AhJY Best Type of Sand: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWXRhn95fq19qZo Here is the Amazon Affiliate Link for Caribsea Naturals: amzn.to/3AnlG00 Here is how we make DIY Root Tabs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYO8q2x8h8mWnZo Should You Gravel Vac Your Fish Tank: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnW4qquJj5yMadk Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics Join this channel to get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin

[@aceofspades3545]

I have both sand and gravel in my tanks, about a 75:25 ratio of gravel to sand, works wonders for my plants, the fish love it. It makes for some interesting visual effects. My favorite so far has been a black eco complete gravel (basalt) with plain white sand. In my opinion it gives a more natural look having both

[@Jbayz]

The fish love substrate? Why? How do you see it make a difference? My tank is bare bottom

[@aceofspades3545]

@@Jbayz I think you're looking for an argument so I'm going to choose to ignore you. However if you are genuinely curious just let me know.

[@aceofspades3545]

I suppose I'll reply to this by the chance you're just knowledge seeking. There's nothing wrong with a bare bottom tank and I personally think it depends on the fish species to determine the substrate (or lack of). There are very many benefits to a tank with substrate (I encourage you to do research), but since you are asking about the fish personally enjoying it, in most of my tank I have bottom dwelling fish, mainly cory catfish, who seem to enjoy the variety of texture (my sand and gravel combo) to dig through for enrichment and food. I also have a few burrowing species who just like the sand in general.

[@Here-Is-My-Handle]

@@Jbayz Some fish are natural diggers such as goldfish or Oscars. As aquarium hobbyists, we should strive to recreate a fish’s natural ecosystem as much as we can in whatever size tank they’re in. So please name a biotope in nature in which there is zero substrate; a bare bottom.

[@mikasauchiha6785]

@@aceofspades3545 Is it fine sand ok with arowanas?

[@collinskj1963]

My favorite substrate is CaribSea peace river gravel, it’s a lot smaller than gravel but not quite as fine as sand, I wish that I would have discovered it much sooner, I want to re do both of my planted tanks with it but I hate the idea of messing with my perfectly balanced tanks.

[@BTQ410]

I have used the Carib Sea Peace River in most of my tanks, but my last 2 I used Aqua Natural Prairie Sand which is similar to the Peace River. It is slightly smaller and the pieces are smooth edges. It is now my favorite. To be honest, they look almost the same.

[@emilycasey1781]

Very informative! I personally use sand (caribsea natural). I keep corycats and I love watching them safely dig around in the sand.

[@cherylbelott]

I have tried a variety of substrates, including dirted with sand cap. I think I favor sand, but I find the idea of combining substrates appealing and continue to explore that. That being said, my next tank is a shellie tank and will be just sand. :)

[@SourLot]

what sand do you use to cap the dirt?

[@islamkoretum530]

Thank you so much for learning us a lot Many thanks from Egypt

[@alisonnicholson]

I keep bettas so sand is my go to choice. Always worried about sharp edges on gravel. Plus I use aqua soil with a sand cap for my planted tanks. Excellent informative video. Thanks Jason.😊

[@angiebear8727]

Does the aqua soil end up poking up through the sand? Just curious. Thinking of doing this with very fine sand for aquatic dwarf frogs. Wouldn’t want them to eat the aqua soil mistakenly but want healthy plants. Been going back n forth on it so any input would really help me out.

[@alisonnicholson]

@@angiebear8727 I use fine mesh media bags for the aquasoil it stops the aquasoil making a mess then put the cap over the top. It keeps the aquasoil where it should be.

[@angiebear8727]

@@alisonnicholson That’s a really good idea. My future froggies and I ty very much.

[@alisonnicholson]

@@angiebear8727 no problem. Frogs are cute. Good luck with your little froggers. Just ensure when u use media bags they have plastic zips so no worries of rusting or metal contaminants in your tank. 😊👍

[@TEW-pp9vb]

I started out with gravel but I switched over and I would have to say sand is best for me. It’s easier to clean and it gives a more natural look.

[@chingu_billy5144]

How do you get fish waste off your sand? Is it a bigger type of sand?

[@applecat8324]

​@@chingu_billy5144turkey baster

[@kylejenkins9389]

Same here

[@kylejenkins9389]

I brush the surface of the sand with a syphon and you pinch the end when the syphon fills up half way, to really clean everything out of there

[@sharminsultana1425]

Sand is easier to clean??

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

When I first started out I always used gravel. I always loved the look of Joanna's tanks with the black sand then becoming friends with Father Fish I ended up going with sand!! My favorite substrate is actually a combination of a gravel base usually mixed with a little dirt for planted tanks capped with sand. For my first tanks though instead of taking the gravel out I just put the sand right on top of it and I loved it. I feel like it does a better job and doesn't have the mulm build up on top as just using sand alone. It works well for nano fish and fish that don't dig and like to redecorate their tanks 🤣 if my sands starts looking a little grungy I can always add a little more to the top to give it a better cosmetic appearance. As always Jason you always nail it and give us all the pros and cons! Your videos help so much for myself and for helping others as I can always reference questions that I get asked to your library of videos! Solid dependable and educational videos from a source you can trust! Thank you and I hope yall have a wonderful and blessed weekend 🙏🌿🐟🌿💖

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We like doing combos too - it can be a very natural look 😀

[@halcyon3116]

Thx for saying this, new aqua mom, gravel to me I've got colored and not so sure it's not chipping tho I got it from petsmart. Good to know it's ok to use both together

[@lamkins2276]

Very helpful, thank you! I’ve been trying to decide for a few weeks on a new tank I’m setting up. Black gravel it is.

[@RichT.]

Thanks for another great balanced and informational video! I have both gravel and sand, both planted tanks. My preference is using a sand cap over Dirt. I've had the best results with using Quikrete Brand Pool Filter Sand. ($9 for 50lbs bags. Not a sponsor ;) It is pre-washed and the sand has a pleasant Tan color and seems to have slightly larger grains then some others I have tried, including Aquarium branded sands, but still use a pre-filter to be safe. I don't have much issues with detritus in my 4" Tanks, but on smaller 20 Gallons Highs I do once in a while use a 3/4" tubing (not a python) to swizzle it while hovering a little above the sand to clean any accumulated detritus (I use a minimum 2-4" sand over 1" dirt depending on the size of the tank). I did an amateur experiment with two 20 tall's next to each other, one with Sand only and the second with sand over dirt no Ferts., same lights, time. plants, stocking levels etc. Quite a bit of growth difference even after 3 years. The only downsides if you use sand caps over dirt, and you decided to remove a plant, you can pull up some dirt along with it.

[@pelhamsaquatics]

I use both for different applications, I use caribsea African cichlid mix for said cichlids, I also use it for some snail tanks along with crushed coral. I use gravel for the Central American cichlids. And I use combos of small gravel and crushed coral for my Molly’s. Lots of combos for different needs. Great subject🙂👍🏻

[@aquaauthentica7653]

The only channel on Fishtube (or YT) that I don't set to 1.2x speed! Good density of information and summaries. It's almost like... this is being run by a teacher or something! :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@audrameyer9558]

Hello there! Excellent information, thank you. I have tried every type and method one could think of with substrate. I have come to the realization that sand is all I really need, and it seems to be easier to maintain. I do have a few tanks that are dirted substrate, they are nice, but any digging and it's game over man! LOL

[@amandajoanbaker]

My favourite is small, sub-round to sub-angular grain, natural gravel. Sand is a pain for not keeping plants down as well, floating up when you fill the tank, coming up into the gravel vac. It has a nice look and is the right scale for some tanks… but don’t think I’ll be using it much. Coarse sand might not be bad if I could find one with more rounded grains.

[@mattphillips6714]

Hi Amanda... Sand as a planting substrate is a no-no to be honest as it is compacting in any form be it fine or course, I have a monster tank setup for my MBU puffer and have Corys and Horseface loaches for clean up crew and to turn over the sand. I have planted sections, one as a L-shape at the rear of the tank and another by converting a reptile feed bowl into a circular garden near the front right corner. I use volcanic gravel around pea size at the base and topped with a fine slate type gravel that slowly releases minerals needed by plants, these type of substrates are what plants really love as their roots have the opportunity to grow and spread with getting compacted in any way or form. I hope this helps explain why you have success with your favourite substrate for growing plants.. Take care.

[@cosmoplakat9549]

I have gravel in my two tanks, but in Cosmo's tank I had smooth river rock pebbles as I heard nightmares about maintenance with sand, but didn't want to hurt his fins. Maintenance wasn't easy with the river pebbles either, but with just Cosmo in there it wasn't too bad. Some day I'd love to try a shellie tank which will require sand.

[@jackdiazb9446]

Thanks for your help. I decided NO change my substrate to fertilize one. I keep my gravel in my 29 gallons that I STARTED FROM THE BEGINNING....AGAIN😢. BUT thanks for your advice. Jm

[@kydenchan2827]

For the plants, I think gravel is better especially if you are keeping fish that stur up the substrate, and they may be up rooted more easily and if it's a new plant to your tank and as not rooted into the substrate they may keep floating up

[@brianp6180]

Interesting video Jason. I have used many different substrates over the 30 years I have kept fish. Started with colored gravel (ugh!!). Then I discovered the Caribe see brand you mentioned. I have used the peace river rock for about 15 years or so. It is very small natural rock. I like it because it is very easy to clean with a gravel vac. 3 years ago I set up my 1st African cichlids tank. I used the Sahara sand. Love that too! As you mentioned the waste sits on top of it. It is hard to vacuum. However a wave maker on each side will stir it up enough to get sucked in by the filter. And you don’t have to worry about the waste sinking in the cracks and sitting there causing nitrates to rise. I think I prefer sand

[@GenRN]

I love Eco-Complete and planted tank substrates but Caribe Sea Naturals is definitely a favorite and for the best bang for my buck, Black Diamond Blasting Sand from Tractor Supply. $10/50 lbs!!! It takes a lot of washing but well worth it. It looks amazing! But for my goldfish tanks….bare bottom all the way. But bare bottom doesn’t mean ugly. I cut tiles to fit the bottom and it is a beautiful look! Thank you for another informative video, Jason!!

[@feralon9570]

I did a black diamond tank because a friend told me to try it. I get better plant growth from that tank with root tabs than I do my fluval stratum with root tabs, and with way less algae issues.

[@GenRN]

@@feralon9570 I totally believe it. I have a planted tank with planted tank substrate and BDBS. It started off layered but got mixed up with gravel vacuuming. I don’t like the look of the mix. Wish I’d done straight BDBS. I did fight what seemed to be more of the diatom algae for a bit with a new set up but I don’t think it was the BDBS’s fault.

[@austinpatterson18]

I have Cory cats in my community tank with gravel and plants that have been set up for over 10 years now, the plants and all the fish are doing just fine. I think that for my larger cichlids the gravel is better based on ease of cleaning and looks of the aquarium. I'm not against sand, but I feel gravel is a much better choice.

[@austinmorales6260]

I started with inert sand then added crushed coral around the tank. I left a few patches of sand for my bottom dwellers. Crushed coral feels like gravel because of the way it traps waste. Great video

[@yournumberonepal]

I use the finest sand I can find for cory cats and it made a big difference with their health and lifespan. I saw a lot of barbel wear and deterioration with gravel. For a canister filter, if you have the kind that sucks water to the bottom of the canister first and then the motor sucks it up through the trays, the sand stays on the bottom and you can dump it back in when you do maintenance.

[@lakeshiamills1454]

I use a mix of sand and aquasoil in some tanks in others I use a mix of sand/organic soil capped with pea gravel. I've also done sand only with root tabs and all of them work they all can look very nice when properly maintained but I think sand tends to be easier on most of the fish I keep.

[@feralon9570]

Awesome video! I can't agree with you more on the intake cover!! LOL Our biggest blood parrot, Hercules, literally blows sand into the intake. He has a fascination with covering every inch of that tank in sand. His tank literally looks like a snow storm came through it. 🧡🧡

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I bet he does. Haha

[@waynetalbot2784]

I use to have a sand substrate,but always struggled with stem plants (root feeders) even with root tabs,an could only keep water column feeders. So switched to 3mm gravel. Now my aquarium is a good moderately planted aquarium, still use the odd root tab an with liquid ferts.An with fish waste my plants flourish.30 % water change per week.alls good.

[@markhunter2244]

I’m on the fence with this one, I’ve mainly use gravel but I do like light coloured sand even though it’s a nightmare to keep clean.

[@chingu_billy5144]

Am in ur boat, while I like how gravel hides fish waste, I’ve gotten lazy and brushed it off since I don’t see anything, it wasn’t until I saw fish waste flowing everywhere that I realized I need something to force me to clean which in this case is samd

[@philcarlino6942]

Great discussion in the video and the comments. I use sand in most tanks, but in my walstad tanks I use gravel because it seems like it holds the plants better in my experience, and because I'm trimming and replanting so often it makes a difference. In my 75 that has sand I had a heck of a time keeping my val and stem plants down, I ended up putting a lead weight around the base to keep them down until they rooted stronger. That is something that must be considered. Take care.

[@ATXAquatics]

Very straightforward and mater of fact video - thanks. I've had the same experience with sand - plants seem to do fine all other things being equal - nitrates, other nutrients, etc.

[@johnmknox]

I'm not a fan of intake sponges or pre filters because it prevents the main cannister filter or HOB etc from doing the job it was designed to do. The only time I would do a sponge on the intake is if I had baby fry. The best solution in my view to prevent sand going into a cannister or HOB is to just have a small amount of gravel in the corner or area where the intake is. You could put that gravelled area a tiny fraction lower than the sanded areas and sloping down gently on a slight incline. That should do the job. I've always found that gravel rises to the top and sits on any sand. At least it has done in my tanks. It could depend on the type of gravel you use whether it does or not. Any small amount of sand that has ever found its way into my cannister has never been a problem. I have just rinsed it and washed it away when it comes to maintenance and cleaning.

[@SNER333]

This video could not be more timely! My betta unfortunately died on Sunday and I've been thinking about switching from gravel to sand, changing up plants, etc. now that the tank's unoccupied. This video convinced me to go with sand! :) I don't know what's going to occupy this 5 gallon (I already watched your stocking video -> ghost shrimp, new betta, guppies, embers, or rasboras are all ideas!), but I think they'll all appreciate sand more!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sorry to hear about your fish.

[@SNER333]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you. I had her for almost two years, which seems like the lower end for average betta life, but who knows how old she was before I got her. I think I gave her the best life I could, so hopefully she felt the same about me!

[@maryb3909]

First time I've ever heard fish waste on top of sand as a positive thing. It's true. I've always had gravel in my tanks, then I took care of my friend's tank when she went on vacation. It has sand and I was cleaning it twice as much as my one at home.

[@NihilusTheGreat]

My choice is always between beige sand and black sand:)

[@austin_shock]

I've began to like sand only with corydoras at the bottom. Never end up having to gravel vac because they keep it stirred up and clean! Thinking of switching the rest of my tanks to sand.

[@sergeiz.5815]

I'm in to black gravel lately looks clean algae doesn't show as much :)

[@carolebraswell982]

Thank you so much for this education today on substrates!

[@mattphillips6714]

Excellent video Jason.. I use sand substrate and fully agree with you that a sponge on the intake is a must, I have it inside the cage on my FX6’s

[@Skysmeller1]

I’ve used only round travel to not have sharp edges for cory cats, plecos and other bottom dwelling fish and just kept good maintenance of cleaning my gravel once a month and doing two 40% water changes per month.

[@amymandeville8342]

I have sand in my 29 gallon and I'm not a fan of it.It seems to work it's way into everything. I think I'm going to switch to a finer gravel.

[@PlainsPup]

I have African dwarf frogs in a 10-gallon tank with UGF using gravel. The UGF is to provide low-flow filtration. ADFs can’t have sandy substrate, because they might swallow it while feeding and get gut impaction.

[@Kierakittie]

I go for gravel. BUT, I use the ground gravel that looks like sand but lil heavier. Ill do planted substrate on the bottom then the fine grain gravel on top. Works well for me and best of both worlds.

[@mclovin2408]

I decided to go with a mix of black sand and white gravel mixed in lightly, that way it still looks more interesting, but natural.

[@v1peraction]

very helpful ,thanks

[@TheOfficialSteelReign]

What about dirt? Is that similar enough to sand that the same rules apply? I have told this story before, but I did try sand. It did exactly what you mentioned. It ended up in the utility sink and then the drain pipe where it eventually cause a complete failure. In fact, because I never pull the trigger on anything quickly, the sink is still down. It's been 3 or 4 years now 😆 BUT, I digress. The point is, I've been toying with the idea of doing a dirted tank with a sand cap. I just have to do it in my 14g cube where there aren't any diggers and spitters. I also use a bucket instead of the sink for that tank since it's not in the fish room. That should save me from my "Bull in a China Shop" approach to water changes.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Dirt works if you cap it with sand and don't have any fish that dig. I prefer using sand and just adding the root tabs. I don't need the mess if fish start doing something to the substrate. Haha

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Great comment Whip! You going to have to make that sink a New Year's resolution in a couple of years! I hope you have a wonderful weekend my friend and much love 🤣🎉🌿🐟🌿💚

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

Dude, your beard is freaking awesome!!

[@massimodetoffol7799]

Wow thanks so helpful!

[@oliverslong2977]

thanks so much!

[@turdferguson8412]

I just went back and watched your video on DIY root tabs. Do you still recommend Osmocote Plus Indoor/Outdoor?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yep - still have the same bag 😀

[@Matthew_Does_To_Many_Things]

I use gravel mainly because I started with it but also I think it’s better for my cichlids in my opinion because they can put a couple rocks in there mouth when digging and and spit it out. Also it would make less mess then with sand. At the bottom of my tank with the gravel there is sand because they move the rocks around a bunch but when you gravel vac it all goes out into the bucket. And sand won’t go into the filter as often.

[@beandrag9019]

6:29 wow these fish are amazing, I miss my geophagus. They’re a bit too hard to keep for me

[@markp1068]

I love watching u very educational. I refer to your videos as the bible to fish keeping.

[@danielbarrett6026]

I have a mix of aragonite and white sand. Over time the sand is disappearing either by getting sucked up in the filter or by the gravel vac. I’m looking to add more aragonite. The cichlids seem to like that anyway.

[@apss5736]

Awesome video

[@ChrisResecker87]

I have both together in the same tank lol. Sand on bottom and gravel on top of the sand 😀

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We do that in some tanks too 😀

[@jasminaustin4220]

this sean from Austin tropicals i use both

[@davidglass914]

I had both gravel and sand. I like them both but sand a little better. I have African cichlids and it seems it is working out better with sand.

[@sharminsultana1425]

How do u clean sand?

[@lewischasen]

Extra bit: gravel can get bubble pockets that are like cysts to the tank itself

[@JinQT05]

coarse sand is the best. it's the middle of both great for plants and for bottom dwellers

[@Kimsbruce76]

Love watching Jason

[@wendihamlett105]

Thank you. Most my tanks have a combo of pea gravel and pool filter sand. I like the natural "lake bottom" look. Question.. How do you clean new substrate in the winter? My outdoor water is turned off until Spring. Any tips?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, still use a hose and bucket and get really cold hands. Haha

[@janets9179]

Maybe use old tank water for some of the cleaning, if you have a tank set up already.

[@demonprince5960]

Am setting up a new tank and i was wondering if I could you sand thats found naturally here which is fine dune sand any tips would be wonderful

[@wabalaka1565]

Yes just make sure the sand is clean I advised u shift them through a find net to take out bigger piece or junk wash it thoroughly and bleach it.

[@plzifan3773]

shouldnt be a problem, as long as you sanitize it. Boil it first for 20-30 minutes and then I'd also use a hydrogex peroxide bath

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Yes, but it just adds a potential complication with parasites.

[@amandajoanbaker]

Bake it :) I do this with substrate I’m reusing. Goes in the oven at 275F for an hour and a half.

[@Laura-ed5kf]

I have one full-sand, one gravel/sand-mix, & two dirted tanks w/ sand caps. QUESTION THOUGH: At what point do we need to not be so OCD about waste in a dirted, heavily-planted tank? Sand DOES highlight blemishes, especially in the shrimp-tank. 🤨 I siphon out waste weekly, also added carpeting plants to see if that helps not show the droppings and/or cycle the droppings back into the ecosystem. Too early to tell, & I’m sure I’ll always siphon…but w/ lots of shrimplettes, siphoning waste is siphoning babies too.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I would treat the dirted tank like a sand tank - just remove unsightly waste from the surface.

[@BukitMan]

I like a sand bed with some medium rocks and some gravel mixed in.

[@sarahcannon1049]

Interesting video! I have gravel in my 75 gallon. I set this up about a year ago and it was kind of an impulse, I've learned a lot this past year thanks to your channel! Question- I have been considering switching to sand .... I have cory cats and didn't realize in the beginning that they prefer sand. What is the best way to convert my tank? Will I get rid of beneficial bacteria if I switch out my substrate? Thanks for all the great content!!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Usually when I switch the substrate I break down the entire tank. If you use the same decorations and filter media the only microbes you will lose are from the substrate. You still might have a short ammonia spike though.

[@livencali1]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. This helped a lot. Thanks 👍🏻

[@Wellesly]

If more bottom feeder then sand if not gravel for my tank

[@chico6085]

Aqua quartz pool filter sand is my absolute favorite substrate

[@icewoodcell8506]

I think I’m going with some small to medium rocks on the bottom of mine. It’s for my Piranahs

[@scottmerrow1488]

I mix sand and gravel. A layer of sand on top is fine but not necessary. Deep substrate (of any kind) is necessary.

[@NyssaMysteria]

I'm a big fan of gravel for my aqauriums, it's nice not having to use a lot of root tabs to keep my plants looking nice. I love the look of sand, but the extra maintenance is not something I'm ready for as a beginner lol I'll probably end up picking it up if I want to actually try aquascaping though!

[@karenaubrey5737]

Good Morning.

[@KillingSpree193]

I have a mixture of sand and stones in my tank. 2 layers, Sand on the bottom and then stones on the top.

[@epa316]

Darth Vader would definitely go with gravel, because rumor has it, he doesn’t like sand. It’s rough and coarse and irritating, and it gets everywhere.

[@martyborst5645]

Hi Jason. I set up a 90 gallon white sand substrate tank 4 1/2 months ago for discus.( no worries my tank will hold my discus comfortabley) Discus as you know can be very costly & I want to really seed my tank before I introduce them to their new home. I will be doing that next week! Also, I want to take a moment to tell you I REALLY like the fish in your tank shown at 7:37. May I ask what size tank are your wet pets in at 7:37?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is a 75 gallon. Same as your 90, only not as tall. Good luck with the Discus!

[@MrMisanthrope1RBjr]

potting soil with a pea gravel cap, wash potting soil before useing it. might get a color in the water at first but it goes away. this will grow plants like crazy and i get a very healthy tank. i use a filter but no bubbler. i will do no other way. if i want a healthy tank.

[@sergeiz.5815]

I got couple wiggler's and frogs today for my community tank. So awesome. Have you ever have frogs ? Any suggestions

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We had dwarf frogs in a 125. They like frozen blood worms and often need to be spot fed if there are fish in the tank.

[@sergeiz.5815]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics awesome thanks 😊👍

[@kdr1048]

I love sand over dirt or aqua soil

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

💪💯🐟🌿

[@somebb]

I live in Florida and there is sand everywhere. The huge bags of playsand at home depot are pretty cheap and I have sterilized and used it for other purposes. Can I use this sand for tanks as well?

[@somebb]

You've actually answered this on an older video "13 reasons why you should shop at Home Depot.." Thanks. I need to find a forum.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We have used it. Just have to wash it really well or the tank will get very cloudy.

[@LMat_MX]

Is any gravel good for plants?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have found all gravel to work just fine (as long as the pieces aren’t huge).

[@johnwood738]

Trying to ward this carefully I always prefer gravel I have some of both my feelings this gravel gives me more of a surface area due to the nooks and crannies for beneficial bacteria to grow. I do use a small round gravel for my Flacos and I know from resurfacing roads the first layer of blacktop on a stone base you go through more black top filling said nooks and crannies then you will if you just put a new layer black top over the old so my question is wouldn’t gravelMore surface area?

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

That's a good question? For me it seems like that would be a yes. I love reading comments and learning what Dr Jason has to say about things 💯😁 I wonder if my combination of a gravel base with sand on top creates a good place for maximum beneficial bacteria in the gravel as things filter down through the sand into it? I know that wouldn't be the best choice for some fish but for the little nano fish and planted aquariums I keep it seems to be working! As I grow in the hobby and hopefully get more fish though I know that there will be different choices and what helps the fish and help show off their colors as much. I hope you're having a happy Friday John! 🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@johnwood738]

@@marypaigeflynn4512 I am interested in what he has to say. I realize that the amount of Beneficial bacteria can only rise to a certain level but I want as much surface area as I can for it to get to that level.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

@@johnwood738 💪♥️

[@papasmerf6453]

Whoa! Did I see 2 Balzanis in there? Looking at adding 1 to my 75 SA tank but heard they need a cold season or they won't do well.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya they do. I was hoping the tank near the window would give them the cooling season they needed but it wasn’t quite cool enough. The group burnt out faster because of it.

[@martyborst5645]

Thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you Marty - Really appreciate it!

[@joquin101965]

Hi Jason, is the Super Naturals Carib sea fine sand safe for a male Betta? I'm just concerned if he eats off the bottom if he'll ingest some sand? Love your videos Amigo!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Should work well!

[@scotp6362]

What are your thoughts on coal slag for geophagus? I have a 55 with coal slag (blasting sand from TSC) which is very fine, but I wondered if it might be too sharp. I also have a 75 with eco-complete where I could put potentially put geophagus. I wondered if I should switch to sand? I have 1 75 with aragonite “sugar” which my brichardi really love excavating, but it is always covered with waste and gets sucked up in the siphon. My other 3 tanganyikan tanks have regular caribsea aragonite which is also regularly escavated and rearranged, but never looks dirty. I have another tank full of fish with pool filter sand and that never appears dirty either. What does happen in all my sand tanks is that when it is moved up against the glass, a layer of algae forms between the sand and the glass which is easily removed by an old credit card.

[@brandykay9851]

Thank you so much for this! I have been debating on switching to sand when I move my fish to a 150g. Do you have any recommendations on how to figure out how much you will need?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We usually do about 1-2 pounds of sand per gallon.

[@brandykay9851]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you so much!

[@littlemidwestrebornsdolls]

I have always used gravel. However, since I would like to someday keep Mbunas, I know I'll use sand because that is what the fish perfer. 🐠🐠🐠🐠

[@enigma533]

I would say Gravel..💪low maintenance in tis busy schedule...

[@littleshopintheshed]

Definitely no problem with plants sending out runners in sand. The problem I am having is crusting. The sand has 1/8” crust all over, shrimp are unable to give it a good sifting.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Some siphoning may help?

[@FG-hw5ep]

Hey Jason, what are your thoughts about having a deep substrate to help with nitrates?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I don't think it will help in a noticeable way if the tank has average stocking levels.

[@jacobperdue1690]

Black sand or any color maybe little grave natural tho

[@invaderjoshua6280]

7/8th sand 1/8th gravel. Nice and natural.

[@AlexK-ew1mo]

Something tells me you favor sand. I like gravel because I never tried sand. It's just easier. But obviously if I ever get to start a shell dweller, that'll change.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I go back and forth. 😀

[@darrinmachado1260]

So which is better for the fish? Im new to the hobby love building aquascapes. My first concern is always for the fish not the looks. Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sand is usually more versatile.

[@enigma533]

High maintenance..

[@alexstyagov9093]

No matter what kind of sponge pre filter to use, sand is sand, it will go into filtration system. Especially if you have sand sifting fish. Aquaclear filter practically never restarts Only mini gravel, never sand, no matter how it might look much nicer

[@mrblandin6179]

I mix them both together about 25% gravel and about 75% sand

[@andersbergman457]

in tanks with no plants or floating plants only I use gravel. it is easy to vacuum clean. in tanks with rroted plants I use dirt and seal it with sand. never touch the sand, no cleaning needed.

[@carloreubenvongerkin9760]

What about anaerobic pockets?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think it’s become more myth than an actual common issue

[@DiegoRooks]

I’m wondering can I do three layers …sand ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure, they tend to mix after a while though.

[@oniongaming88]

Hi, Jason. Would you say that another benefit of gravel over sand is that it increases the surface area that beneficial bacteria can grow on?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not necessarily because the surface area increases as you add smaller units of something to a fixed volume.

[@GeraldiusDamascus]

1:04 what is that plants attached to wood ?