Which Substrate is Right for Your Aquarium??

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

If you're looking at the possibility of sand you may want to see this first! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKPPimOFna50es0 f you want to see more behind the scenes stuff, exclusive videos and support the channel consider becoming a member! kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTAjoin Also, 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

[@blitsriderfield4099]

which would you suggest for a reef tank?

[@johndavidson4128]

Would you say a natural gravel round 3/8 or smaller would work?

[@amandawitherspoon5225]

I have several 20 gallon long tanks with cory catfish. I am wanting to switch to sand and live plants. Is the pool sand you mentioned good for corys? Someone told me that it is, as someone else told me that it was not. I just need to know what is best for them. Will plants grow in pool filter sand?

[@dynamicdeadhead]

This is an awesome video!!! Substrate seems to be such a basic topic; but for newbies, like me, this is a treasure trove of information! I really appreciate you showing examples in your own tanks. I learned A LOT! THANK YOU!!!

[@edwardsdeacon]

I was a natural gravel aquarist with all my tanks until about two- three years ago when I swapped most of my tanks over to a deep sand bed. I tried a few different sand types but for me I prefer the pool filter sand in my Cichlid tanks with exception of those tanks that have Cory catfish in them then I use multi purpose sand/playground sand. In my large Oscar tank I use natural gravel since I can’t use live plants in that aquarium.

[@BCToby]

I have a VERY busy tank with filter sand with almost no waste buildup. The trick is a high flow canister filter - the bubbler "filters" don't create any current and as a result the waste builds up over time.

[@trixie1636]

@@BCToby what about an internal filter? I have one of those and a sponge filter and I’m still not convinced either is picking up enough stuff

[@roscoeturner4099]

Very helpful. This type of information doesn’t go out of date. Thank you.

[@karanraja8275]

I just bought a 55g tank and new to Aquarium, Sand looms pretty but after watching your video , I will go with gravel. Thank you so much for a valuable video.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@trixie1636]

@@karanraja8275 are you going to take all the sand out first?

[@karanraja8275]

@@trixie1636 no what I meant was, thought of using Sand but went with gravel.

[@trixie1636]

@@karanraja8275 ohhh 🤪

[@elizabethG633]

My QT is bare bottom, but the other three tanks have substrate. In the one 10 gal, I have Fluval Florite gravel, in the other 10 gal I just put in the Seachem Florite gravel, and the other 5 gal has multi colored gravel and with the blue light it shows up the Glo Danios I have in there. I am using the Florite because I decided I wanted planted tanks, and now I can watch my little buddies grow as well as the plants.

[@fearlessmemes6678]

Is Flourite okay for Rams and Cory dory's?

[@mirandahannah1944]

hey!! im absolutely in LOVE with the last tank showed in this video with the betta. id love if you did a video going in more depth on this tank with info on the types of plants, fish, ect. i really like this planted look and also want to start a second tank with a betta & other fish. this tank is absolutely beautiful! excellent work!! your channel is also puts out the best quality videos compared to all others on YT

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi Miranda - thank you! This video shows an updated version of the tank as well as a couple other betta tanks. : -) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJyVYZqKaM-MqqM

[@kdr1048]

I just went with caribb sea sunset gold sand in my 75 gallon Blackwater tank. My first time ever using sand. I noticed the poop does show up but it look a lot more natural to me. And, when siphoning over the sand the poop and dirt get sucked right up. So to me it makes it easier and can see where the dirt is. However, i may mix in some small gravel to get some darker tones. I think a little gravel mixed in will make it look even better.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool! Glad it's working out well.

[@heatherwanderer777]

I've used play sand, eco complete, gravel and bare bottom. When raising fry I found the bare tanks had advantages and disadvantages which I feel you mostly covered, but I'll share my experience too. :) Basically, its a lot easier to do a quick daily 10-25% wc on a bare bottom that gets rid of all the poo and since they are fry they need to be fed heavy and often which equals more poop. The big problem I had with the bare bottom fry tanks is even using multiple sponge filters per tank, doing too often and too big a wc disrupted the nitrogen cycle and I had a lot of tank crashes that required 70% or even 100% wc and reducing stock and desperate shuffling around in order to try and save the fry. When it happens, it happens quickly and if you're not constantly testing a fry tank you can crash the cycle and lose all the fry in less then 12 hours. My favorite substrates were the play sand and the eco complete. The play sand does require a lot more initial washing to be usable, but as its more of a grey instead of white color it does not show the poo nearly as much as the pristine white pool filter sand. You do need to make sure when gravel vaccing to do deep penetrating swirls into the sand in order to avoid the gas build up pockets that you spoke of. The eco complete was my favorite for planted tanks, but there is a limit on color and the cost was pretty prohibitive, about 25 dollars for one bag, one bag being enough substrate for 10 gallons. 25 dollars is fine for a small shrimp only tank, but anything bigger, you're talking 25 dollar per 10 gallons it can add up quite quickly for a larger tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome info! Thanks for sharing.

[@briancarroll6753]

I love sand it creates a wave look , it tells you where waste is and over flow of current , it tells on its self .

[@adwaitr]

Very good video. I currently have a bare bottom tank. Was confused between gravel and special substrate. After watching this video, planning to go with gravel. Thank you.

[@AUTubeN22]

sand is definitely off my list! i got the black & white gravel looks great with moss & grass thanks

[@Miguelspl150]

11:44 Add a power head. I have sand and don't have that issue. Power heads circulates the water a sweeps the sand for you

[@trixie1636]

Thank you for this! So informative and thorough. ❤ I am annoyed at my Caribsea substrate I added to a 20 gallon, along with some Fluval. It’s so difficult to keep my plants secure because both are finicky and I also see the mulm so much more. I did a vacuum cleaning and water change yesterday and it seems pointless cus whatever got kicked up in the water column is now settled on top 🤦🏻‍♀️so now I need to get that out too, but I want to give the poor fish a break. I’m thinking of using a sifting spoon to scoop it out, letting the Fluval fall through and bag up the caribsea in mesh bags to create height 🤔 then add the Fluval back on top in some parts, and THENNN cap it with diamond black sand to make it more dense to hold the dang plants in place. either way I know everything’s gonna get kicked up and it’s gonna be a disaster. I’ll probably have to take the fish out for that. Or just get a whole new tank and start over 😅😂

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a good excuse to add another tank. 😀

[@trixie1636]

@ I’m using this comment as evidence to convince my husband 😜

[@adalberto.valdez]

I was also allowed to get a 29 gallon with the exception that I get a small pink castle and black and rainbow colored gravel🤦🏻‍♂️. With plants and the decor, it’s an interesting place for a blue gourami, black skirt tetras, and snails😂. I will be doing a rehaul of the gravel here soon.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Adalberto Valdez sometimes that’s the price we pay. Haha

[@RuachEden]

Hi Jason. Thanks for all your videos. Two suggestions for cost effective substrates. I use akadama, a baked Japanese Bonzai clay a lot; it's great for root feeding plants and buffering capacity. Horticultural silver sand is also a good affordable option as it is clean i.e. lime free, and of a larger less compactable grain than play sand.

[@shahanulhaque7086]

Well done good and easy to understand I am just starting. Also I think Small gravel would be a good start and maybe some plants which require less nutrition later

[@bellion028]

May I know about your thoughts on aqua soil? I read that it can help your plants to grow better but so far I haven't seen you using them in any of your aquariums and the plants grow pretty well in gravels or sand substrates. Do you use fertilizers occasionally as well? Thank you.

[@bitashirazi1530]

Great informations, thank you. I wish I had a chance to see about fin black sands as well.

[@leoxlix8001]

I used black sand for my first planted tank (only 3 gallon) & it was a major hassle. Definitely going a different route next time. Looks great tho! 😁

[@AbnerCK]

An other sands?

[@AbnerCK]

I've found that black sand make the colors in the tank stand out far more than other sands?

[@shawndee1692]

I use a lava rock bottom it also works for good bacteria

[@benderapoiartist]

In addition to pool filter sand I used to get blasting sand cheap. It looked more like gravel to me. Worked good, was cheap.

[@johnwood738]

Looking at some old videos trying to figure out the right gravel for the under gravel filter I’m setting up . I know I can’t use sand thinking smaller gravel to allow water to pass but catch every thing else.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think average size gravel will work well.

[@johnwood738]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks fish sales are going through the roof,people are asking for anywhere from a half dozen to a dozen every day meeting someone today.

[@Benjix13]

I’m new to the hobby, I tried gravel and sand and I just couldn’t keep the water clean. I went bare bottom and so far about a month in and the water is perfect… so for now bare bottom it is.

[@Mika-uy9op]

I know u made this vid a while ago but I have been fish keeping for years but I am only 12 so I know so much all my tanks have gravel and I'm setting up another tank but I wanted something else other than gravel and I think ur vid was very helpful ps I love ur tanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it helped! It's fun trying new stuff. Hope it works out well.

[@tinadoyle3803]

So what are you going too use ?

[@ViewThis.]

In one of my large tanks, I put styrofoam on the bottom, sloping toward the front, and covered it with a thin layer of concrete, then after a few weeks of curing, I treated it with Muriatic Acid. Rinse repeat Rinse and Viola ! A 1 piece rock substrate. All the poop etc flows to the front of the tank by the current -- where it gets pushed into the canister filter intake.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Interesting idea!

[@robertoamezcua7624]

I have a planted tank and I love the ADA soil.

[@DavidLaFerney]

I have a tank with pea gravel sized substrate and I'm pretty sure that tiny pond snails keep it clean - because I don't have any water problems. I turn off agitation when I feed so most of the food is eaten instead of sinking into the substrate and causing a snail explosion. It works for me anyway.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It's a great way to keep food out of the substrate!

[@Tirfing88]

My favorite is "Caribsea supernaturals torpedo beach", it's natural, beautiful white/ivory, and it is between gravel and sand (it's actually gravel but really fine), I get the best of both worlds. It's costly though, but well worth it! Got it in my 40 gal aquarium

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like that too!

[@nourhanateout7187]

Does it come I'm black?

[@glowingsoulfire819]

I purchased black gravel and it must have been painted because I can still smell the paint. I rinsed and left it to off-gas for 2 days and it still smells stongly of paint. I think you had a similar gravel (the black rock going white) in this video. I am hesitant to add water and start my cycle. Did you ever have a similar experience and did you notice any adverse affects on the fish from the painted rocks? Thanks for making these videos and sharing your knowledge.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven’t had a gravel that smells like paint. I would be hesitant to use it if it did though.

[@deenugent473]

Thank you sir for your tips. I was thinking about sand, but after what I've seen here, no thanks! Great helpful video.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Dee Nguyen Sand can be ok, and a big benefit for some fish, but gravel is generally easier to work with.

[@Dazzaelite]

I had gravel for many years and changed to sand...sand is a lot easier to clean and makes the appearance of the tank look nice and bright. The corys love the sand and have nice whiskers 😊

[@deenugent473]

@@Dazzaelite I guess we all need a change of scenery once in awhile 😁.

[@vonp6928]

Good points! It helped me a lot. Was thinking about getting the Flourite but I think I will stick with the multi-sized pea gravel. I have mostly anubias on rock and a tiny bit of I think it's a crypt of some type so just starter plants. Have used both bare bottom and gravel over the years particularly when I had fancy goldfish. Going back to just basic guppies and things but trying my hand with some easy live plants now.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Cool! Glad it helped.

[@eugeniovazquez7444]

Nice video!! I would recommend using an under gravel filter on most of your substrate ( not dirt or play sand) if you are using pool filter sand put a weed blocker fabric over the under gravel filter. By doing this method on most substrate like gravel , pool filter sand & aquatic soil you forced oxygen through the gravel to help the bacteria breakdown the waste , on aquatic soil you bring down fertilizer and oxygen to the roots , this method also HELPS reduce algae and HELPS to keep any substrate cleaner , you do not need to move the water fast the slower the better because you give the bacteria time to consume the oxygen and the roots to consume the fertilizer. This is just my opinion by watching your video seeing your tanks they all doing great

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You bring up a really good point. There has been a discussion for a long time regarding water flow verses nutrient contact time for bacteria.

[@dimalranasinghe8152]

Thank you for the information.

[@josemontalvo4532]

Thank you for sharing! Excellent advice!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@mitchl6666]

A stream produced by the water returning from the outer filter, or by the pump of an inner filter, properly directed on the surface of the sand will push all the garbage to a part of the aquarium where they will be collected by the filter. Under a gravel substrate you can use plastic grills, the filter will collect water with all the garbage that has crossed the gravel, it will be harder to calibrate the water flow and the route that will follow , but that is part of the game , and there will be a gravel filter in top of whatever one is using. Waste hidden by a dark substrate is still there , and rot there too

[@mahonrijaussi2925]

So I was wondering what about mixing different substrates where you have section for plants and sand and say large rocks... Not mixed together but intertwined in the tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure, that can be done. Some people will put a base layer of plant substrate and cover it with sand, maybe they only do that where they know the plants are going to be planted. We have a couple tanks where there is rock in the center and gradually goes to sand towards the perimeter.

[@mahonrijaussi2925]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics how is the cleaning process with these different substrates

[@matthewzito6130]

One more advantage of using substrate … It gives you a little padding/protection between your hardscape (rocks, wood, etc.) and the glass bottom of your tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very true!

[@Megatog615]

There's a new technique I've seen lately where scapers use lighting diffuser(egg crate) to buffer the aquascape from the glass as well as spread the weight out across the bottom.

[@kellydennison6344]

What's you opinion of mixing gravel and sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We've done it many times! Gravel can make nice accent pieces in a mostly sand bottom.

[@Mr_Wobot]

I'm a total newbie that needs some advice and knowledge. I got myself a betta fish with a filtered 8 gallon tank. I don't plan on making it a 'live-planted' aquarium or have anymore creatures within it because it seems more complicated and high maintenance. I also have sand and gravel which I was planning to use together to add a bit of detail to the aquascape. What I wish for is a minimalistic and low-maintenance betta tank. So, my concerns and questions are: 1. Can I use both substrates together? if yes, is there a certain way I have to use it (gravel on top or mixed together)? 2. How do I clean the substrate and how often (+water change % specifically for my tank)? (Also, I heard using sand could be dangerous for fish because it traps air?) *I got a siphon already. (Extra) 3. Since it is not a live-planted tank, and the sand and lava rocks I have says it does not affect water levels (except the 'Aqua One Natural gravel phantom black', I'm not sure if it does or doesn't), will it be fine to let my fish out after acclimating it for 15-20 minutes? Any help would be appreciated! :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

First, congrats! Fish keeping can be so much fun. : -) Yes, you can use the sand and gravel together. Place it however you want in the tank and have fun with it. While deep sand can trap hydrogen sulfide gas, I've never had a problem with it. If you want to be safe you can keep the sand to less than 1/2". If the package says it won't change water chemistry it probably won't for the most part. Some times lava rock will lower pH a little, but if you're not packing the tank full of it, I don't think it will change it enough to matter (or at all). You're acclimation process sounds good. If everything is new, including the filtration media you will probably get an ammonia spike in a week or two. To avoid that, you can obtain used filter media from a trusted source and place it in your own filter (even a little used gravel in the filter will work). I have two playlists you may want to look at - Water Parameters and Beginners Guide. Good luck!

[@Mr_Wobot]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Hey, thanks for the quick response. First, I don't have any used filter media or water test kits. Instead, i'll plan on testing my patience by letting my tank cycle for two(or more) weeks without the betta in it. However, I have very little knowledge about how to cycle a new tank. Should I put betta pellets and used water/waste from its current small-carry tank into the new tank? If yes, how many and how often? Also, from your experience, would 2/3 weeks be more than safe to release the betta into the new tank without testing the water? or is having a water test kit a MUST? Anyways, I'll check out some of your other videos now. Thanks!

[@josemontalvo4532]

Mr Robot have you considered some floating plants aside from your substrate considerations? There are some good beneficial reasons to have a few floating plants in your tank. Water Sprite grows quickly with little light, and no fertilizer or CO2 dosing required. You can put just the roots of the Pothos Plants. It helps to take out things you can’t see with your eyes. RedRoot Floaters are also a good plant to float in your tank. Looks beautiful too!

[@drfter240sx]

Thank you sooo much for these videos, very useful for a first timer. I plan to setup a 40 gal breeder (alrdy got the tank just need to set it for fish)so I’m doing all my research before I start

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very cool! Have fun and thanks for watching.

[@willwinn8559]

I like pool sand , i use a power head with a spounge filter on the intake ( along with a hang on back filter ) The power head helps it make it to the filter intake . What is left over hides behind a rock & along the opening in the plants , making it easier to catch with the vacuum & much quicker ..😎🐟👍

[@willwinn8559]

😀side note: 😉 It might take a little adjustments to get the stuff to pool behind something , but the power head is very useful in this.🐟👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sounds like a good system!

[@baphometslayer]

Haha I think the poop on the sand makes it look natural. Thanks for the insight and the view of your tanks.

[@redglazedeyez6652]

Whats best substrate for planting plants. I had gravel about 1inch all at bottim. Plants kept floating up. Plants wouldnt root. Each time i cleaned it the plants move

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We use both regular gravel and sand. Nothing special. In one tank we have fluorite.

[@redglazedeyez6652]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics so is there are reason my plants dont hold in nice colourful gravel. I like using coloured gravels

[@vesplumis7444]

Thanks for the good info! Setting up a big tank soon! Substrate is the next part in the research!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Have fun!

[@ellenzakreski4882]

Hello. I noticed that the speciality substrates like Flourite have copper and nickel in them. I know that copper is extremely toxic to shrimp and snails. Are metals in active substrates toxic to invertebrates or fish?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't noticed them to be toxic?

[@vitamincalmasmr]

This video had answer i was looking for... Thank you

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad it helped!

[@johnclarke1319]

Love your channel, but can you do something about safe disposal of fish antibiotics, as when ever we dump the water we also dump resistant bacteria into the environment and probably into our own bodies, difficult to research but worth a go?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

John Clarke Great idea!

[@thewolfydragon1989]

any tips? i currently have a 3-4 inch long goldfish, the gravel i have been using was 12-18mm but food kept getting trapped underneigh, and i dont like the "Mess" trying to using a gravel cleaner with sand as no doubt it will get sucked in (i have condition and mediations that makes my "steady hand" very shaky and clumsy) what size gravel is best? (the fish does NOT like bare as its too reflective) websites keep saying "use pea gravel or bigger" but doesnt say size in mm, (in uk i can find ANYTHING called "pea gravel" on any online shops or aquariums, but other sites say "use fine gravel" so what size SHOULD i use? i dont want a dead fish! but the big 12-18mm is defo too big and looks "over the top" and full of slime and algae due to rotten food getting stuck under. eg is 2-4mm or 3-6mm or 6-9mm etc? as being told different things (and my fish does NOT stop rummaging for food)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good question. So, I don't frequently keep goldfish, and haven't had them in a couple years, but if I were to setup a new tank I would go with a standard large gravel. Maybe try the next size down (I usually don't see measurements on the bags sold around me regarding gravel size)?

[@MBBTigger1357]

I have a 36 gallon and 90 with a thin layer of black gravel. Went for thin layer purposely to make vacuuming deep into the substrate more thorough. Just set up a 150 gallon with no substrate with the goal of seeing how I feel about it. Glad I did. Vacuuming is a sinch. I really appreciate you going over the different types of substrate advantages and disadvantages.👍🐠

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

No substrate definitely allows you to get all the fish waste out more easily. :-)

[@ACockatielsSong]

I just started a 10 gallon column tank with flourite and it surprised me how dusty it made the tank. It's clear now, but is quick to cloud up the water if I just move a plant. I'm worried about this happening with my betta in there. Somebody at a pet store recommended putting a layer of pebbles on top to keep the dust down. What do you think?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't had any issues with the flourite we have in the 20 gallon. Nothing covering it and I don't notice any cloudiness ever. I think you will be ok once everything settles in.

[@ACockatielsSong]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thank you! I love your channel!

[@Sam-wj2gu]

Everything Ive researched chooses a natural fine sand for fancy goldfish like Orandas. Now Im reading about gases building up. What should. I use for them?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sam I’m not overly concerned about gas. Yes, it can accumulate, but I haven’t seen it hurt my fish. You can combat that by using smaller amounts also (one inch or less).

[@Sam-wj2gu]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks so much!

[@prestonmiddlemiss7047]

I like too keep fresh water shrimp in my 5 gallon with sand I have 4 of them and the do a great job with waste management and making my tank look awesome so if you are considering sand I recommend getting a few shrimp to put in there

[@ciancopeland5790]

Organic potting soil + aquasoil + anything that hardens my water (since it's really soft), then cap with black gravel or naturalistic gravel.

[@Blu3ni0000]

Hi... i'm a sort of a beginner planted fish tank. currently has some tetras, platties and few other community fish... just curious... what are some of the best and easiest substrate to use for aquarium live plants that aren't to messy/hard to do the upkeep?? and is it possible to put different kind of substrates at small sections of the tank without getting them all mixed together?? OR i've seen videos where people use layering of different substrates for aquatic plants?? currently upgrating to 54 Gal tank. just still undeceive about keeping fake plants or doing some live plants that are actually not harmful to my fish. and to decide if using gravel alone will be okay to keep plants alive without other substrates? and what kind of plants is best for gravels type of bottom?? thnks a bunch

[@Blu3ni0000]

also i have tried using both root tabs and liquid fertilizer... but seems like my plants (only have a few), keeps on dying/decaying within few months. only has gravel bottom in tank. what have I missed so far? do i need to add Co2 diffuser?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

A lot depends on the type of plants. We use just standard gravel or sand in our tanks and both seem to work just fine. We use root tabs for plants that grow extensive root systems and liquid for plants that don't root heavily into the substrate. We have had good luck with crypts, anubias, jungle val, wisteria, water sprite, and buce. I have found the faster a plant grows initially, the faster it can die if something is lacking - the cyrpts and anubias tend to be a little more forgiving in that way.

[@Blu3ni0000]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics wow!! thanks for the easy to digest and fast response! really helpful! new sub!!

[@DB-jo6on]

I use crushed coral for my African Cichlid tank to help maintain the proper pH level.

[@damemelusine4879]

Thank you so much, your video is the most comprehensive one I found on the subject. I really appreciate you actually showing what the tanks look like with the different types of substrates and with different types of fish. I used to have gravel with my planted comet goldfish 75g and the amount of gunk that came out when I gravel vac'ed was so high, I would get down to 75% of the water and barely vacuumed half. Now the tank is barebottom and so much easier to clean. I added 2 small wavemakers on a timer to kick up the debris on the bottom towards the filter intakes, plus apple snails, and now there is virtually no poo in sight even after a week. The important thing with barebottoms though is that more filter maintenance is needed because guess where all that poo ends up :P

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Nice example of a bare bottom tank! Appreciate you watching.

[@ChordG]

great video... however it didn't clear my doubt... i'm planning to get neon tetras, mollies and panda cories.... can anybody suggest best kind of substrate, please.? and I understand substrate can have an impact on filter, so what kind of filter is suitable.?? Thank you. :)

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Either is fine with that mix. Corys might prefer the sand over gravel. With a pre-filter sponge on the intake of a HOB you should be fine with either type.

[@rexwater1]

So helpful. Thank you!!

[@MobehTaBlues]

Hi Jason...I have a quick question,bought this gravel from petsmart which looks almost like sand but its not,more like very fine gravel in tiny sizes...is this the same as sand or its just gravel but smaller

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It's probably just finely ground gravel. I have had something similar, but I liked it because it was easy to maintain.

[@MobehTaBlues]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you

[@williamokel204]

What are your thoughts on Pool filter sand under Fluval Stratum?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't done it. I usually run one or the other.

[@ruthwalker5179]

I was wondering when if ever to replace a substrate? I’m redoing a tank that has an unground heating cable in sand and fluorite on top that was full of Cyanobacteria. I’m moving it closer to my sink for ease of h2o changes but wondering if I should start from scratch.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hi Ruth, the only time I change substrate is if I want to re-do the tank. Otherwise, it's certainly not necessary in most cases unless you have a specialty substrate that loses its nutrient content for plants. The only thing you'll want to think about is you will lose all the beneficial bacteria currently associated with the substrate. However, if you filter is fully cycled and the tank isn't heavily stocked it may not matter.

[@ruthwalker5179]

Prime Time Aquatics Thank you! Set up this tank maybe 7 years ago and all the plants had died except Anubias. So perhaps that’s the nutrient deficiency as well as lazy cleaning. I’ll subscribe and watch your other videos for more tips!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Awesome! Glad you are here!

[@dinesendk]

Great Video. Got curious though... Can you mix substrate for aquascaping, and how bad, or good idea is that?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure - we mix gravel and sand sometimes to provide a more natural look.

[@Jaekization]

Personally I buy some dirt and put gravel over it. I like the double layer, profile look of the tank when I look at it. Really adds to the “natural” look.

[@dinesendk]

@@Jaekization I like the natural look too, that's why I asked.

[@thebean1693]

Just chill in going through old vids, hope all is well with my favorite fish family. Peeeace

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Hope you are doing well too!

[@reptileguy8458]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics What is your opinion on Caribsea Eco- complete aquarium substrate?

[@johnatella8498]

What plants do you have that grow well with their roots in the sand? I am wanting to take my dozen Discus and transfer them from a barebottom 75 to a 125 planted tank. I want a light color as my Discus with any pigeonblood in them pepper if it is dark. I was thinking of pool sand, but I also want a lot of planted plants. Should I just put the plants in pots with a more friendly gravel substrate or can I plant them in the sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Pretty much every rooted plant I have seems to do fine in sand - crypts, anubis's (don't bury the rhizome), jungle val, java fern.

[@johnvu7109]

Thanks for your tips. Love your tanks.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@Kokaiinum1]

The blue gravel looks stunning :O

[@terra2468]

once i heard that natural substrate helps the water ph get more acid ( low ) and artificial substrate the opposite , is that true?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Not really - it depends on the type of substrate. Most of the planted substrates buffer a little lower. Many substrates are inert and some buffer higher if they are composed of aragonite or crushed coral.

[@terra2468]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you "master" :)

[@izadine]

Very good information, thanks!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you. Appreciate you watching!

[@darwin3615]

The way u explain point by point.pros and cons. Showing the substrste gravel closeups. How fish poop messes up the looks makes ur video a diamond in the rough.thank u. Btw u look like agadamator (chess reviewer ) both of u r awsome 😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@bethparsons7434]

Can you advise on Eco Complete for Betta fish? Is it too rough? I use sand now and it worries me because of gas pockets. Thank you! Love your channel!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question! We have been moving to deeper sand beds lately. We have a lot of tanks with sand and have never witnessed any gas pocket issues. Eco Complete is good for planted tanks. It may lower your pH, but it is generally considered safe.

[@bethparsons7434]

Prime Time Aquatics thank you for your help!

[@MrJay1784]

One thing I haven't like about sand is that a lot of it ends up getting sucked up when Im cleaning the tank.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Ya, that can be a pain.

[@mattcero1]

Great quick succinct video!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@KingFishdom]

Could fix that waste problem with 2 inch layer of dirt and 3inches layer of sand. Lots of plants. I prefer a bigger sand grain size.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Unfortunately, that doesn’t work for a lot of the fish we keep because they dig and/or eat plants. 😀

[@megancrochet8364]

Would gravel or sand be best for a Molly/Platy community tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think with Mollies and Platys you can pick the one you like the best. I don't think they will care either way. Gravel might be easier to work with and keep clean though.😃

[@megancrochet8364]

Prime Time Aquatics Thank You 😃

[@nourhanateout7187]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics I saw your previous video on types of sand. Very educational! Does caribsea make black sand? If not where can I get black sand? At my local petsmart the Topfin's black sand smells like nail polish and I don't feel comfortable using it. Is there a link you can provide me so I can assure myself it's safe for my fish? I have a betta and loaches

[@pitmaster6668]

great video :) my question is can i use gravel on top of sand? my thinking is that it will help the plant roots take hold better what do you think? appreciate your help and keep up the good videos

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You can, but it often all kind of mixes together.

[@pitmaster6668]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you for the quick response

[@oveskazi8226]

What is good for all types of gold fish tank ...soil or substrate ...plz recommend something

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

oves kazi I’m not a big fan of soil because it can get messy - especially with goldfish. Lots of people go bare bottom with goldfish. When people use gravel they usually try to make it big enough that the goldfish can’t swallow it.

[@oveskazi8226]

Thank for reply ...what should i do ...go with bare bottom or with substrate ...currently i m using my bare bottom tank...but its look like grave yard no natural look for tank...plz suggest something to enhnace my tank looka

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

oves kazi I’ve always used gravel and never had an issue.

[@Kukaj1]

What gravel is good for Koi tanks ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Wow, did you ever ask a difficult question. : -) That has been debated for years! Some people like gravel (usually a little on the larger side, but not too large to get lodged in their throat). That's going to be a little harder since Koi get big. Others have done sand, but some people have reported gill irritation as a result. Still, lots of people go bare bottom to avoid any potential issues with substrate. If they are Koi that spend their summers in a pond I would just go bare bottom. If gravel make sure its too big to swallow and small enough to spit back out. Hope this helps.

[@caroleinwv]

What do you think of Black Diamond Blasting Sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't used it, but a number of people in our fish club use it and like it. It can be a little sharp though.

[@dajoke24]

I want to have corydoras in my 20 long. I know they seem to prefer sand, however I prefer a dark black substrate to makes the colors pop. Also I really prefer it to be cheap. Any suggestions? It will be heavily planted with root tabs and liquid fertz.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven’t used it but I hear black diamond sand is good. I personally use a lot of Nat Geo sand. 😀

[@dajoke24]

Is the nat geo black sand good for corydoras? i saw your video on it but still have some questions. Is it entirely black correct? On the petsmart website it doesn't look truly entirely black. www.petsmart.com/fish/decor-gravel-and-substrate/gravel-sand-and-stones/national-geographicandtrade-aquarium-sand-5208902.html Where can I buy it online or in-store? I know in your video you said it is easier to clean than pool filter sand. So does it act like gravel when gravel vacuuming? Do you know how much i would need for a 20 gallon long and plan to heavily plant it. Do you know how to calculate how much substrate I would need like fluorite black sand. I want the substrate to be affordable. Any help is appreciated.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have found it to be pretty dark. Any tank you see in my videos with black sand is the Nat Geo sand - maybe check out one of my full fish room tours. Should give you a better idea. We are able to gravel vac it just like gravel, but the water flow coming out of the tank isn't crazy high either. For a 20 long I'd probably get a 20lb bag, you may have a little left over. Thanks for watching!

[@MrBigdog287]

dajoke2

[@sans6040]

I LOVE these videos, thank you!

[@conniefrieders6294]

What are your thoughts on black diamond blasting sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't used it, but know a number of people who like it.

[@AlexK-ew1mo]

Have you had experience with black diamond blasting sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't used it, but the people who I know who have used it like it.

[@Moamanly]

I am curious about how slowly your sponge filter was running at 4:00? Also, you have very fine bubbles--do you have an air stone inside it? Love your work btw.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We had air stones in a lot of our sponge filters when we first set them up. Most of them got disconnected as the air line inside the sponge filter got older and we just took the air stones out. The bubbles are bigger now, but it's ok for our setups.

[@Moamanly]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Hey, really appreciate the swift reply. I bought my first proper aquarium a few months ago after dabbling with small ponds and containers (all over my garden!!) for the last 5-7 years. So I only got my first sponge filter recently( although I did make a serviceable DIY one a year or two back) and was mightily disappointed to find I couldn't squeeze an air stone into it. Best wishes from New Zealand --hope you guys are staying safe. Enjoy your work, particularly the way you talk normally and don't hype things up like a lot of channels seem wont to do!

[@shaun1neo]

Hi, so I’m in the process of setting up my tank again. I have an under gravel filtration grid. Im now considering using something different to the larger gravel I had previously but I also want to use live plants. Have you ever gone half gravel and half aqua soil? Just thought I would get your opinion?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I haven't done that combo, but lots of people do. The aquasoil will break down over time, but many people like that combo.

[@alejandroszewczuk4958]

What type of sand in the mbuna tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That is actually pool filter sand.

[@KevinsCaninesAndAquatics]

How do you calculate how much you need?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

You are usually safe with 1lb per gallon.

[@KevinsCaninesAndAquatics]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics So what you are saying is if I have a 20 gallon tank and want to have three layers I would purchase around 7 pounds of each substrate I am going to add?

[@carl5848]

What is the Stingray 24/7 Planet Plus? My online search found a lot of stingray results but none that I saw were aquarium related.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It's made by Finnex

[@Kirk144]

what color of sand hides the waste the best I am going with CaribSea cheers

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question. Anything brownish in color. White is terrible at hiding stuff. Black is better, but earth-tones are the best.

[@thomasashe2681]

What kind of fish are those at 11:04?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. I actually don't recommend them because most have significant genetic issues.

[@thomasashe2681]

The powder blue and brown mottled fish?

[@Lflower1Stars]

Can you put two different kind of gravel in a tank and how would you put the gravel in a tank that filled with fish and water? How do you divide to put the two different gravel in?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The answer is yes to all of the above. I would rinse the gravel, drain a few inches of water out of the tank and slowly add the gravel to one end of the tank and spread it out from there. Maybe use a small strainer or cup to add the gravel. To keep the gravel separate, I'm assuming you want one color in one area and another color in another area, you'll probably want to add some larger stones first as a barrier.

[@vblackwell3347]

Very nice and informative video. Thx!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching

[@mellymoko4617]

Can I use fine gravel instead of sand?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure!

[@brianshleifer6602]

Sand is the best!!! Def. looks better than gravel! Nice Video, subscribed!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here!

[@Lflower1Stars]

Is pea gravel good for panda ?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I think most would say sand is preferential if possible. I’ve kept Corys on gravel but I really try not to do that

[@justcraig1000]

Natural gravel would be good for replacement for black and blue gravel because of the natural wood...

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I agree - that's actually what we did when we updated the tank. : -)

[@justcraig1000]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics Cool! U da man..

[@justcraig1000]

Diggin the videos dude...learning a lot..thanks

[@shootingstars7756]

Thank you so much sir. I just a beginner who want to have an aquarium with a community of fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@KINGTERIK]

So can I put substrate on the bottom than black gravel on top of it

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Sure!

[@andrescott2794]

I youse grive in my tank did you say glaver was good for growing plants

[@yanodinagon5358]

Tnx man, ..I learned a lot

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!